I hope you were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends over Christmas and take a moment to reflect on the year.
2025 was a significant and rewarding year.
Being re-elected as the Federal Member for Farrer was a huge privilege.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has placed their trust in me. Every day, I am reminded of how lucky I am to represent such wonderful communities.
One of the highlights was being appointed as Leader of the Opposition.
It is an enormous honour and a responsibility I take very seriously.
Energy has been a key issue in 2025.
In November, the Coalition announced a plan to put affordable power first while responsibly reducing emissions.
I know what it is like to be a young mum at the kitchen table wondering how to stretch the family budget far enough.
This plan is designed to provide relief while keeping energy reliable.
Water is critical for our region, and I do not support the federal government’s latest 130 gigalitre buyback aimed squarely at the southern Basin and directly at towns across Farrer.
Places like Deniliquin, Barham, Wakool, Finley, Berrigan, Jerilderie, Tocumwal and Mulwala will carry the cost, and it’s these towns that rely on irrigation for jobs, small business activity and the confidence that holds our local economies together.
I will always stand for smarter water policy that delivers real environmental outcomes while keeping regional communities strong.
My electorate office is closed for the break and will re-open at 9am on Monday, January 5.
We are still on-call for any urgent issues during this time.
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026!
May the year ahead bring healing, renewal and peace.
• Sussan Ley is Federal Member for Farrer.
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