BREAKING: One Nation candidate David Farley claims a surge of funding from wealthy supporters in Sydney and Melbourne is fueling his campaign for the Farrer byelection on May 9, 2026. This urgent development comes as new Nationals leader Matt Canavan intensifies his attacks on Farley and his party, raising the stakes for this pivotal electoral contest.
Farley, an agricultural businessman, emphasizes he is part of a new wave of high-quality candidates joining Pauline Hanson’s party. He stated, “Generations of people that have been rusted on to these old parties are moving,” pointing to affluent suburbs like Toorak in Melbourne and Woollahra in Sydney as sources of significant financial backing. “And the good thing with Toorak and Woollahra is they bring their purse with them,” Farley added.
As the competition heats up, the contest will also feature independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, backed by Climate 200, who is gaining traction after former Liberal leader Sussan Ley announced her retirement. The impending four-way race is set to test the shifting political landscape, where One Nation’s rise could reflect broader discontent with the Coalition, which has historically dominated the region.
Addressing controversial comments made by Hanson regarding Muslims, Farley distanced himself from her views, emphasizing the presence of “good Muslims” in communities like Bondi. He expressed regret over past remarks about former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, stating, “It was a joke… you wish you could grab the words back, but I can’t.”
With rising petrol prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Farley’s campaign will focus on halving fuel excise, a pressing issue for local farmers facing supply shortages. Meanwhile, Canavan questioned Hanson’s effectiveness, prompting voters to consider the Coalition’s record over the past 30 years.
In a response to the current political climate, Canavan stressed the importance of unity within the Coalition. He stated, “We have the ability to deliver these things through the Australian parliament… Nothing will change if you’re not going to co-operate and build a team.” He has urged voters to keep an open mind as the Coalition mobilizes its campaign, with preselection for the Liberal candidates scheduled for Sunday evening.
As the Coalition grapples with historic low polling, the dynamics in places like Albury—where half of Farrer’s electorate resides—will be crucial. Both Liberal candidates, Lachlan McIntyre and Raissa Butkowski, are gearing up for a vigorous campaign, with door-knocking and local hospital issues at the forefront of their strategies.
On the ground, Milthorpe’s campaign is already in full swing, with volunteers actively engaging voters through door-knocking and local events. She has strengthened her messaging on water policy, targeting key areas to gain support beyond Albury.
As this urgent election draws near, the political landscape in Farrer is rapidly evolving. Voters are being urged to consider their options carefully as the rise of One Nation and independent candidates could redefine the future of this historically conservative seat. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
