Byron Shire councillor Janet Swain has officially launched her campaign as Labor’s candidate for the state seat of Ballina at the March 2027 NSW election.
NSW Labor announced her candidacy in a statement on Friday, October 9, following her successful bid for party preselection last month.
Cr Swain, who was elected to Byron Shire Council in 2024, said housing, services and opportunities for local families would be among her priorities.
‘I love this part of NSW, but I also know the challenges people are facing. If I’m elected, I’ll work every day to make sure Ballina has a strong voice in Parliament, fighting for better services, more affordable housing and real opportunities for local families,’ she said.
Cr Swain has lived in Byron Shire for more than a decade and taught music in local primary schools for the past 12 years. She also founded and directs the Festival of the Voice in Brunswick Heads.
Labor’s announcement highlighted the government’s record on local education, emergency services and housing, including new public preschools in Lennox Head and Wollongbar and Byron Shire’s 60-day cap on short-term holiday letting.
Cr Swain said her approach would centre on listening to residents and working with them.
‘That’s been my focus as a Byron Shire Councillor, and I’m ready to take that approach to NSW Parliament to help improve the lives of people in the Northern Rivers.’
Ballina is currently held by Greens MP Tamara Smith, who has represented the electorate since 2015 and will not contest the next election.
The NSW election will be held on March 13, 2027.
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