Ballina Greens MP Tamara Smith criticises Nationals’ snubs after major ribbon-cutting events
Tamara Smith said the “petty, misogynistic” approach to announcements and ribbon-cutting events had been standard in her local area since she was first elected in 2015.
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Ballina MP Tamara Smith has lashed out at the State Government for snubbing female politicians outside of the parties in power from public events.
Ms Smith, whose electorate covers the Byron Shire and most of Ballina Shire, has been absent from some major infrastructure ribbon-cutting moments and funding announcements.
She was not at the opening of the Byron Bypass in February.
She was also absent from the opening of the new bus interchange on Butler St, or a major roads funding announcement which doubled as a farewell for outgoing mayor Simon Richardson last Friday.
Ms Smith said it was not always a matter of being outright snubbed; sometimes she has been invited to events at the last minute when it was impossible to attend.
Nationals member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin – who unsuccessfully ran against Ms Smith for the Lower House seat at the last election – was present at all of those recent events and Labor’s federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot was at the most recent.
“It used to be the case that no matter which political party you represented you would be invited to announcements of public moneys as the democratically elected member for your electorate,” Ms Smith said.
“Unfortunately, the Nationals in recent times exclude local members and in particular shun women local members across Labor, the Greens, minor parties and independents.
“It is petty, misogynistic and frankly does nothing to promote democracy.”
She said if she was invited to significant announcements or opening events at all, she was typically given one or two days’ notice.
“That has been my experience consistently since I was elected in 2015 and re-elected with a considerable swing in 2019,” she said.
“Whilst it is poor form on the part of the National party our community see through it.
“As a party claiming to understand regional communities, the Nationals really do not get the fact that country people expect fairness and transparency in politics.”
Ben Franklin defended his close relationship with the outgoing mayor and the council during a speech at Mr Richardson’s farewell last week.
“Obviously there’s a local Greens MP who, I have to say publicly, is doing a good job,” Mr Franklin said.
“She’s a decent person, she’s trying her best. And she’s doing a good job.
“But she’s not in government. Of course the government decides where the funding’s going to go and where the priorities are. So of course this council, led by this mayor, has to work with the government to work out how that’s going to work.”
Mr Franklin’s office has been approached for further comment.
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