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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Ben Franklin seeks to become Ballina state MP

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NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian with Nationals Northern NSW parliamentary secretary Ben Franklin, who has announced his candidacy for the seat of Ballina. Photo Chris Dobney

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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3 COMMENTS

  1. Ben Franklin claims he advocates for the people – but it doesn’t matter what people claim when they are part of a political party – or coalition party that is failing the people right now.

    Labor is also failing the people.

    And so is Tamara Smith, by ‘believing’ rail trails ‘would be good for the people’!

    NSW is in a terrible state – or should I say IS a terrible state, and has been for who know how long.

    How can any government justify ripping up very needed railways? People are extremely distressed that there is no party for them to vote for.

    We do not consent to voting for parties we do not want. Being forced to do so is rape!

    Why is there no alternatives to all the horrible parties in NSW?

  2. The Nationals have done a far greater job on the North Coast than the now Greens have done. Can’t see any improvement she has made. Nor will make. Just look at Byron Bay
    What a joke. Green Council. Most development I have seen in 4 years

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