Exclusive: Cadwallader and Ndiaye emerge as early contenders to replace outgoing Greens MP

Greens MP Tamara Smith’s decision not to contest the next state election has opened the door to a potentially high-profile battle for Ballina — including the prospect of a rare mayor-versus-mayor contest.

Ballina News Daily can reveal both Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye are being discussed as early contenders for the seat.

Sources say Cr Ndiaye is an early favourite for Greens preselection, with Ballina councillor Kiri Dicker also expected to contest.

Contacted for comment, Cr Ndiaye was cautious, saying she had not yet considered a run.

“The Greens have a robust and thorough preselection process,” she said.

“Today is the very first I’ve heard of Tamara not re-contesting the seat, so I have not given it due consideration.”

She also praised Smith’s tenure.

“Congratulations Tamara on an incredible run in parliament. You have a lot to be proud of and few will know the enormous amount of work involved and personal cost.

“Our community has benefited enormously. Enjoy the next 11 months — no doubt there’s a lot you still want to do.”

Cadwallader courted

Ballina News Daily can also reveal Cr Cadwallader has been quietly encouraged for months, especially by business leaders and conservative figures to consider a run.

Contacted yesterday, she declined to be drawn into speculation, saying the focus should remain on the sitting member.

“Today is Tamara’s day,” she said.

“Politics aside, being elected as the first woman to serve this electorate and being re-elected twice is a significant achievement.

“I join others in wishing her well for her retirement and future life outside politics.”

However, Cr Cadwallader confirmed she had been approached from across the political spectrum.

“Not just by business and conservative people, by community groups and people across the board,” she said.

Speculation has been rife she could run as an independent, though a tilt at National Party preselection, while unlikely,  could not be completely ruled out.

The party has yet to select a candidate and has previously fast-tracked high-profile contenders from outside its ranks.

Cr Cadwallader left the National Party after losing preselection after the 2015 election, when the party overlooked her and chose a virtually unknown male candidate Kris Beavis, who then went on to lose the seat to Tamara Smith.

Race widens

Party sources say Nationals preselection is expected later this month, with Labor to follow mid-year.

Until now, Ballina Deputy Mayor and retired detective Damian Loone had been widely viewed as the party’s most prominent potential candidate.

Smith’s departure is also expected to spark renewed interest from Labor, which has previously struggled to attract candidates in what was seen as a difficult seat to win.

Former candidate and Byron Shire Labor figure Asren Pugh had been talked about as a possible contender after he resigned from the council in early March, however he has recently confirmed he’s eyeing a seat in the NSW Upper House. 

Election timeline

The NSW state election is scheduled for March 18 next year.

If either mayor were to win the seat, current laws would allow them to remain in both roles until the next local government elections in September 2028, under a two-year grace period.

Main Image:  Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye and Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader pictured in Byron Bay at a media conference in 2025 with former local police superintendent Scott Tanner.