Mrs Milthorpe came within 0.19 per cent of turning Farrer into a marginal seat at the 2025 election, and delivered significant swings across the electorate, including winning all booths in Albury and securing strong support with wins in Jindera, Corowa, Deniliquin and Leeton.
Ms Milthorpe says the message from voters is clear: our region is ready for change.
“For too long, the people of Farrer have been left wanting,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “Party politics too often gets in the way of practical outcomes.
“Our communities deserve a reliable and relatable representative; someone who listens, understands our regional context, and is prepared to do the work in Canberra to make policy better reflect life in rural and regional Australia.”
Mrs Milthorpe acknowledged the 24-year parliamentary career of Sussan Ley, describing it as “a significant contribution to public life”.
She said the ongoing instability and undermining of her leadership meant the Coalition sidelined regional communities as it focused on internal power struggles.
Mrs Milthorpe said she is focused squarely on cost-of-living pressures, access to healthcare, aged care services, reliable telecommunications, water management, and sustainable environmental practices.
“As a rural, remote and regional electorate, we feel the burden of floods, fires and droughts first - and hardest. We live with the consequences of water mismanagement and infrastructure neglect.
“We need strong, principled leadership that advocates fiercely for practical solutions that reflect the needs of regional and rural communities, and delivers outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives. I am that person.”
Mrs Milthorpe, who has been aligned with the teals after receiving funds from Climate 200, said she would be proud to accept backing from Australians who want to see sustainable environmental practices for future generations, including the crowdfunded support of Climate 200.
“I will welcome support from anyone who wants a strong Independent voice for Farrer and I will answer only to the people of this electorate.”
Mrs Milthorpe said the decline in support for major parties across the electorate shows that voters are searching for something different.
“People are frustrated. But we don’t need blame or division, we need serious, community-driven advocacy that improves people’s lives. Farrer doesn’t need a party puppet.
“We need someone who knows our towns, our industries, and our families, and who will fight every day to deliver. Farrer cannot afford to be sidelined while party politicians play the same old games. Our communities deserve real representation, and this is our moment to claim it,” she said.
