FARRER, NSW - The looming byelection in Farrer, triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, has crystallised into a contest pitting independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe against a field of party representatives, notably One Nation and the Liberals. The electoral landscape is further complicated by external funding influences and past political associations that Milthorpe is actively seeking to define herself against.
Milthorpe, a local teacher and community advocate, is running a second time for the seat, aiming to build on her previous performance. Her campaign has drawn financial backing from sources including the Regional Voices Fund, which received a donation from Alasdair MacLeod, regenerative farmer and son-in-law of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Concurrently, her campaign has also attracted support from Climate 200, a funding vehicle often linked with socially progressive independent candidates.
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Milthorpe has been vocal in differentiating her candidacy from the "teal" movement, a label she disputes. She stated, "I’m not a teal," emphasizing a desire to forge a distinct path independent of established political factions. This stance comes amidst criticism, particularly from One Nation's David Farley, who has accused her of disingenuousness regarding her independence. Farley, himself the chair of a community group advocating for agricultural irrigators, leveraged the group's Facebook page to question Milthorpe's affiliations.
“I think it’s extremely disappointing to see a candidate politicise a widely respected advocacy organisation for his own self-interest … It’s an advocacy organisation that’s not meant to be political.”
Milthorpe countered these claims, dismissing them as "lazy" and asserting that only a small fraction, approximately 2 percent, of her campaign donations originate from Climate 200. She also publicly condemned One Nation for employing an individual with a history of conviction for sex offences, a move that drew significant criticism and ultimately led to the termination of that employee.
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The byelection is framed as a significant test for new party leadership, with Liberal leader Angus Taylor and Nationals leader Matt Canavan facing scrutiny. One Nation, represented by candidate David Farley, is seeking to establish a stronger foothold in the traditionally conservative Farrer electorate. Farley, a Narrandera-based irrigator, secured his party's nomination over other contenders.
Milthorpe's previous campaign saw her finish second to Ley, and she has indicated a commitment to advocating for local issues such as childcare accessibility, crucial for attracting professionals to rural areas. Her campaign has acknowledged the importance of community voices, with plans to target specific towns for doorknocking and support. The absence of a Labor candidate in the byelection is noted as a factor influencing electoral dynamics.
The race is expected to be closely contested, with Milthorpe, Farley, and the Liberal candidate, Raissa Butkowski, identified as the early frontrunners. The contest also reflects broader trends of voters favouring local accountability over party loyalty, a phenomenon observed in other electoral contests.
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