Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially ruled out contesting the upcoming federal by-election for the seat of Farrer, opting instead to remain in the New South Wales Parliament.

In Short:

• The Decision: Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially declined to contest the federal by-election for Farrer, choosing to remain in the NSW State Parliament.
• The Focus: Dalton cited a need to hold the State Government accountable for "passing the buck" to Canberra on regional water rights and Murray-Darling Basin policy.
• The Ultimatum: She will only endorse a federal candidate for Farrer who commits to a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and her seven-point reform plan.

The announcement, released Thursday, clarifies Mrs Dalton’s intention to continue her advocacy within the state legislature, where she claims pressure must be intensified on governments regarding Murray-Darling Basin policies.

For residents in the Murray electorate, the decision means their state representative Ms Dalton will maintain her current seat rather than seeking a move to the cross-border federal electorate.

Mrs Dalton stated that her decision followed discussions with constituents who expressed a desire for a more aggressive approach to water rights.

"People across the Murray are beyond frustrated. They are watching their communities suffer while governments keep shifting blame and dodging responsibility," Mrs Dalton said.

"I have no intention of stepping away from this fight. If anything, the pressure is about to increase".

State Government Held to Account

By remaining in the NSW Parliament, Mrs Dalton argued she can more directly challenge the state government’s handling of regional water interests. She alleged that the current administration has frequently deferred responsibility to federal authorities.

"The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to Canberra while communities in the basin pay the price," she said.

"For too long, basin communities have been treated as expendable in political negotiations over water. That has to stop".

The Member for Murray indicated her ongoing legislative priorities include a push for a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and the implementation of her seven-point plan for reform.

"Let me be very clear. I am not going anywhere and I will not be backing off," she added.

"Until basin communities get the transparency and protection they deserve, this fight will only get louder".

Potential Endorsements in Farrer

Regarding the federal vacancy in Farrer, Mrs Dalton noted she would only consider endorsing a candidate who demonstrates a "genuine commitment" to her proposed water reforms.

"I won't be endorsing anyone who is weak on water," she said.

"If candidates want the trust of basin communities, they need to prove they are prepared to fight for a Royal Commission and real reform, not more political excuses".

Residents seeking further information on the Member’s stance or the proposed reforms can contact her electorate offices in Griffith, Deniliquin, or Buronga.