Ben Franklin hits back at criticism from Ballina MP Tamara Smith over public event ‘snub’ allegations

Nationals MLC rejects suggestions Greens MP has been intentionally excluded from significant events.

Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts Ben Franklin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

A Northern Rivers based Member of the Legislative Council has hit back at claims his government has been snubbing the state MP for Ballina.

Greens MP Tamara Smith has accused the state government of “poor form” for perceived snubs from public events.

She has said when she has been invited to announcements or opening of major infrastructure projects, it has been with insufficient notice.

Nationals MLC Ben Franklin, who lives in Byron Bay and has represented the state government at various recent events including a road funding announcement, outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson’s farewell, the opening of Byron Bay’s bus interchange and bypass,said Ms Smith’s allegations were “offensive, puerile and ridiculous”.

Ballina MP Tamara Smith

“Ms Smith was invited to the opening of the Byron Bypass but she chose not to attend, much to the disgust of the local community who fought for it for decades and overwhelmingly love the new road.

“Ms Smith was also invited to attend the recent roads funding announcement - which was also the final day in office and an opportunity to thank the Byron Mayor - and once again she chose not to attend.”

Mr Franklin said he was unsure whether the MP was invited to the bus interchange opening given this event was organised by Transport for NSW.

“If she wasn’t, it may well have been because she opposed the building of the bypass and interchange and likely wouldn’t have wanted to attend,” he said.

Ballina mayor David Wright, Ben Franklin MLC and Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Paul Toole at the announcement of $2.2 million in funding from the NSW Government to replace Pearces Creek Bridge.

“Members of community organisations regularly complain to me about the Member for Ballina either refusing invitations to attend their events or ignoring them altogether.

“That behaviour is arrogant and unacceptable.

“For her to grumble that I do not invite her to events that I organise in and for the community is ridiculous.

“I just want the same thing that everyone else in the Ballina electorate wants - for her to stop taking the community for granted and to do her job.”