Despite being encouraged to stand for Federal election by several supporters, she could not abandon her state constituents when the fight in Murray is “far from over”.
Late last week, she ruled out contesting the upcoming Federal by-election, declaring she will remain in the NSW Parliament to intensify pressure on governments she says have repeatedly failed basin communities.
Mrs Dalton said after extensive discussions with constituents, the message was unmistakable: communities want the fight on water intensified.
“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.
“I've made this decision with the best interests of our region in mind.
“The fight in NSW Parliament is producing results. In February, the Parliament voted unanimously to support my call for a federal royal commission into water.
“That doesn't happen by chance. It took years of evidence, community pressure, and refusing to let this issue be swept aside.”
Mrs Dalton said remaining in the NSW Parliament would allow her to directly hold the NSW Government to account over what she described as ongoing failures to properly defend regional water interests.
“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.”
Mrs Dalton said she would continue to push for a royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and drive her seven-point plan for basin reform.
“Let me be very clear. I am not going anywhere, and I will not be backing off,” she said.
“Until basin communities get the transparency and protection they deserve, this fight will only get louder.”
Mrs Dalton said she would consider endorsing a candidate in the Farrer by-election, but only if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to strong water reform.
“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.”
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