Farrer by-election heats up

Many analysts are tipping a protest vote against the major parties, as the Liberals and Nationals attempt to retain the seat they have held since Farrer was established in 1949.

With growing discontent over the manner in which Ms Ley has represented the region – in particular her failure to influence water policy – it would appear unlikely the Liberals will garner a lot of support across the Deniliquin region.

Their chances of retaining the seat were struck a blow late last week, when state Member for Albury Jason Clancy announced he would not be contesting Liberal pre-selection.

When she was ousted as Liberal Party leader Ms Ley said she would resign as Member for Farrer after undertaking a farewell tour of the electorate to thank constituents for their support of the past 25 years.

A week later, the tour was cancelled.

And with Ms Ley losing support in Albury to Independent Michelle Milthorpe at the 2025 federal election, a repeat of that polling makes it even tougher for the party to hang on to Farrer.

Mrs Milthorpe, who out-polled Ms Ley in Albury at last year’s federal election but did not get enough support in regional areas, has stolen a march on other candidates.

Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall opened her campaign office in Deniliquin on Thursday, which followed a ‘meet and greet’ at the Blighty Hotel last Wednesday evening.

Mrs Milthorpe was joined by high-profile Independent David Pocock in Berrigan on Thursday, before a CBD gathering in Albury on Friday, flanked by Senator Pocock and Teal Independent Helen Haines.

There will be greater clarity around her opponents over the next week.

Among the favourites to win pre-selection for the Nationals is retired army colonel Brad Robertson, who has been nominated by the Albury branch, of which he is chairman.

There has been speculation former Deniliquin Senator Perin Davey may seek pre-selection, but this has not been confirmed.

Others potentially in the mix include Murray Irrigation Ltd director Gabrielle Coupland.

Another possible by-election candidate is state Member for Murray Helen Dalton.

Mrs Dalton has rejected approaches from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to be its candidate, but has not ruled out standing as an Independent in her own right.

She is expected to make a formal announcement this week.

The One Nation candidate will be finalised in Albury this coming Saturday, with three hopefuls seeking endorsement from party members.

They include David Farley, of Narrandera, who was recently elected chair of Speak Up 4 Water.

He will be up against Albury small business owner and mother of three Leigh Wolki, and Guy Cooper, a 31 year-old farmer from Boeill Creek, in the far western corner of the electorate, north of Mildura.

In announcing its pre-selection candidates, Senator Hanson said the party had reviewed more than 80 applications and “the eyes of the entire nation will be on the outcome in Farrer.”

Mr Farley was in Deniliquin yesterday, and said he became a member of One Nation about six months ago because of a growing dissatisfaction with political representation nationally, and within Farrer.

“There are many issues affecting Farrer that are also national issues. We need to be represented by a party with courage and tenacity, which I don’t believe has been demonstrated by the Coalition.

“I feel One Nation is the best fit.

“I have been a member of One Nation since before Sussan Ley resigned, and it was actually Sussan’s governance of Farrer that attracted me to the party in the first place.”

Mr Farley said if he is chosen as the One Nation candidate this weekend, the Speak Up executive would meet to discuss how it may impact on his role with the organisation.