One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has announced agribusiness professional David Farley as the party’s candidate for the upcoming federal Farrer by-election in southern New South Wales.
The announcement was made in Albury after the local branch of the party formally pre-selected Farley to contest the seat.
Farrer became vacant following the departure of long-time Liberal MP Sussan Ley, triggering a by-election expected to test support for several parties in the regional electorate.
Regional background
Farley, 69, was born and raised in the Riverina town of Narrandera, a major agricultural centre in regional New South Wales.
He has built a career in agribusiness and irrigation, including work across several continents.
According to the party, Farley has spent decades working in Australia as well as internationally in the United States, Africa and the former Soviet Union, developing expertise in agricultural management and water policy.
He is also known for his involvement in discussions surrounding water reform in the Murray–Darling Basin, one of Australia’s most politically sensitive environmental and economic issues.
Hanson backs Farley’s candidacy
Hanson said Farley’s local connections and professional experience made him a strong candidate to represent the electorate.
“David Farley has deep roots in the region and a strong background in business and irrigated agriculture,” Hanson said.
“I’m confident we have selected the right candidate for this critical by-election.”
Hanson said many communities across the Farrer electorate were facing economic pressures similar to those affecting other regional parts of Australia.
Campaign priorities
Farley said his campaign would focus on economic pressures facing regional communities, including rising living costs and housing affordability.
“I’m standing for One Nation to be the strong, independent voice in Canberra that communities in Farrer will need in the years to come,” he said.
He said policy priorities would include measures aimed at reducing cost-of-living pressures and improving economic conditions in regional areas.
Farley also said he would advocate reforms to water policy affecting irrigation industries in the Murray–Darling Basin, as well as improvements to regional healthcare services.
He said strengthening hospitals, children’s health services and aged-care facilities in rural areas would be among his priorities.
Farley also pledged to support farmers, small businesses and apprenticeship opportunities for young people in regional communities.
The Farrer by-election is expected to draw attention to economic issues affecting rural Australia, particularly agriculture, water policy and regional services.
