Lismore MP Janelle Saffin on northern rivers flood rebuild, fate of Reconstruction Commission

Firebrand Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has revealed whether she will call for the previous government’s gameplan on flood recovery to be thrown out. Read her plan of attack here.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin will now sit on the government benches, but says there will be no adjustment of the volume knob when it comes to calling out the shortcomings or good things on the rebuild of the flood-hit Northern Rivers.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin will not call on her boss, newly-elected Premier Chris Minns, to throw out the Liberal’s gameplan on flood recovery – despite the previous government repeatedly tarnished with a “too little, too late” approach to the catastrophic double-flood which lay ruin to the northern rivers.

Incumbent Lismore state MP Janelle Saffin votes at Molesworth st polling booth.

Ms Saffin is set to retain her seat with an overwhelming 17.47 per cent two-party preferred margin.

“I had a lot to say to a government that I wasn’t part of, and I’ll be doing the same thing (with the new government) as the MP,” Ms Saffin said.

Lismore was cruelled by floods in February and March 2022 - and life in the northern NSW city is nowhere near back to normal. Picture: supplied

Much of the criticism to the government’s response to the floods has fallen on the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission, however, the Lismore state Labor MP said she would not call for the abolishment of the group.

The agency was slammed by residents who wanted firm details on mooted land swaps and buybacks.

Aiden Ricketts of North Lismore was swamped in the flood disaster but has cleaned up his home and intends to stay. Picture: Cath Piltz

“They (the commission) are typical of a government corporation,” Ms Saffin said.

“They are doing some good things, but are sometimes a bit too cautious.”

Janelle Saffin pictured with some of her supporters on election night. The Lismore MP has vowed to continue to be a strong advocate for flood victims.

The Member for Lismore - who herself had to cling to a tyre and swim to safety in the floods - said the main fault with the commission had been its “appalling” communications with the community.

“Even if they have no update to give they should just say so,” Ms Saffin said.

After securing a thumping victory on Saturday when she secured more than 67 per cent of the vote on a two candidate preferred basis, Ms Saffin baulked at the suggestion of putting her name forward as a Flood Recovery Minister in the Minns’ government.

“I’ll drive (the conversation) any way - from the back bench,” she said.