Local NSW Nationals MLC Ben Franklin has announced he will seek to become the Nationals candidate for the seat of Ballina at the next state election in 2019.
Currently the seat is held by Greens MP Tamara Smith, who claimed the long-held Nationals seat after MP Don Page retired in 2015.
Franklin said, ‘I have passionately advocated from inside government for the best interests of our local area and I am proud of what I have been able to achieve, hand in hand with the local community.’
He added he ‘was not planning to do this, but have been convinced to do so after repeated requests from local residents and community organisations.’
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