Barrie Cassidy (far left) hosted the CSU debate, which featured nine of the 12 candidates. Photo: Charles Sturt University.
One Nation candidate David Farley has likened his past attempt to join the Labor Party – and his more recent praise for a rival – to going to the gym, during a lively Farrer by-election debate.
At a recent Charles Sturt University forum, hosted by veteran journalist Barrie Cassidy, candidates clashed over political allegiances, preference deals, climate policy and immigration.
Farley pressed on political past
Mr Cassidy questioned Mr Farley over reports he approached Labor to join the party in 2022, donated to multiple candidates and praised independent Michelle Milthorpe on Facebook last year.
“It’s 2026 – democracy doesn’t live in a museum, it lives in a gymnasium, it’s active; the environment that we live is changing, where you place your energy of public service needs to be most aligned,” Mr Farley said.
Mr Cassidy shot back: “If that’s the case, you must be pretty fit. Three years ago, the Labor Party and one year ago you were endorsing Michelle.”
Mr Farley said he was pretty fit and had tested where parties stood on key issues.
“When I got in the door [to Labor], it was obvious that culturally I didn’t fit … and I got out of the door,” he said.
He added he had also considered the Coalition and running as an independent before settling on One Nation, citing its “tenacity and courage”.
Preference deals questioned
The debate turned to how-to-vote cards, with Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski asked why her party recommended preferencing One Nation ahead of Ms Milthorpe.
“In terms of preferencing, it was just for ease of reference in terms of our how-to-vote card,” she said, prompting laughter and groans from the audience.
“It’s not a question of preferring anyone, people can preference who they want.”
Nationals candidate Brad Robertson said his party preferenced One Nation because it was a fellow conservative party.
Greens candidate Richard Hendrie disagreed, labelling One Nation a right-wing nationalist party.
“It wasn’t so long ago that [former Prime Minister] John Howard advised Liberal candidates to put One Nation last because of their racist and divisive rhetoric,” he said.
“What happened to the once great Liberal and National parties?”
Mr Robertson hit back by questioning why the Greens had shifted focus away from environmental issues towards international politics.
Shortly after, independent candidate Gary Pappin revealed for the first time he would recommend preferencing Ms Milthorpe ahead of One Nation.
Milthorpe distances herself from net zero timeline
Ms Milthorpe was asked whether she supported the Federal Government’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
“I think it’s untenable for us to think we can get there by 2050,” she said.
“There’s been a lot of push on our regional communities and the burden of net zero is felt [by them].”
Mr Cassidy noted the position appeared at odds with Climate 200, who donated to her campaign.
Ms Milthorpe said the group was just one of many supporters and she was focused on representing her electorate.
“We’ve rushed into it without consultation, without talking to people about what’s required or how they can benefit from what’s happening around them,” she said.
“I think we can look at a balance but I think we are doing it too quickly and we still need coal and gas for grid stability.”
Farley clarifies immigration stance
Mr Cassidy also pressed Mr Farley on whether his views aligned with One Nation’s push to cut immigration.
Asked if Australia’s annual intake of 306,000 migrants was too high, Mr Farley initially struck a softer tone.
“Is 306,000 too many? No, it’s probably not. If we are successful in One Nation’s water policies, we’re going to need more labour and we’re going to need more labour quickly,” he said.
However, he clarified his position on Facebook the following day.
“We must slash immigration to reduce housing demand and put Australians first. One Nation will cap immigration at 130,000 per year,” he said.
Final debate and polling day looms
Mr Farley, Ms Milthorpe, Ms Butkowski and Mr Robertson will meet once more before polling day, with a final debate scheduled for Friday 8 May in Albury, hosted by TV personality Karl Stefanovic, who has described himself as “Joe Bogan” – a reference to influential American podcaster Joe Rogan.
The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday 9 May. Early polling booths are open across the electorate for those not able to cast ballots on that day. Check out the Australian Electoral Commission website for details on where to vote.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
