David Farley with One Nation's Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce at his campaign launch in Albury. Photo courtesy of the Koondrook and Barham Bridge.
David Farley has refused to comment on eleventh hour criticism targeting his political affiliations and commitment.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Fellow candidates and sitting Federal politicians have been taking aim at the Pauline Hanson’s One Nation candidate for his reported past connections with Labor, the Coalition and the Teals.
He is reported to have sought pre-selection support with the two major parties at previous elections, and allegedly made political donations to Labor and the Teals in the past.
Some have referenced his reported support of his closest Farrer rival, Independent Michelle Milthorpe, when she stood at the 2025 general election against the now retired Member for Farrer Sussan Ley.
Speculation that Mr Farley may not continue in politics beyond this shortened term has also been circulating.
The Pastoral Times offered Mr Farley an opportunity to address all these reports, and associated concerns.
At the time of going to print yesterday, he had not responded to our offer.
Ms Milthorpe suggests Mr Farley’s alleged links to other parties, particularly Labor, is a “serious breach of voter’s trust”.
“We are a conservative part of the country with serious reservations about key Labor policies, such as the devastating water buybacks,” Ms Milthorpe said.
“We want to elect someone who will hold the Labor government to account.
“My opponent knows this. Which is why he must know it is a serious breach of trust for him to hide from voters that he applied to run for Labor, and donated to the party as recently as 2023.
Independent Michelle Milthorpe during one of her regional campagin launches.
Photo by
Bree Lambert
“By saying one thing while doing another, my opponent has not treated voters with the respect they deserve. We are fed up with party politicians who will say one thing to win an election and do something else once in office.”
Ms Milthorpe has come under fire herself during this by-election process, and at last year’s general election, for accepting donations from the Teals and appearing at community events this year with some of its sitting party members.
But Ms Milthorpe says she has never concealed this help from the Teals, which she says accounts for less than three per cent of her campaign and will not influence how she votes if elected to parliament.
She maintains her political alignment is in line with most Farrer voters.
“My pledge to you is you can take me at my word,” she said.
“I reflect the conservative character of this electorate and have not sought to hide it.
“I voted for Sussan Ley in every election she contested, except last year’s, I admire Tim Fischer greatly, and I grew up in a Nationals voting household.
“I will do what I have been saying I would do for two years: fight for more regional GPs, an end to the water buybacks, and a new hospital on a new site in Albury.”
16°C