Nationals candidate Brad Robertson was widely praised for a strong debate performance. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Independent Michelle Milthorpe says lobby group Climate 200 has contributed just two per cent of her campaign funding, One Nation candidate David Farley couldn’t say whether billionaire Gina Rinehart had donated to his, and the Nationals will recommend preferencing One Nation on their how-to-vote card.
Those were among the key revelations at the Griffith Business Chamber’s Farrer by-election “meet the candidates” forum, held at the Exies Sports Club on Monday (20 April). Nine of the 12 candidates attended a forum facilitated by chamber president John Nikolic, fielding questions from the author of this article, representing Region Riverina, and a packed audience of about 200.
Preference deals
With Labor not running a candidate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently visited Albury and urged the Coalition to put One Nation last on its how-to-vote cards, labelling Pauline Hanson’s party divisive.
Given preferences are likely to decide the outcome, I asked Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski whether she would follow that advice. She said she didn’t know what her party’s how-to-vote card would say, emphasising voters ultimately decided their own preferences.
Nationals candidate Brad Robertson was more direct, confirming his party would preference “conservative” parties, with One Nation ahead of Michelle Milthorpe. David Farley said he would return the favour, placing the Nationals and Liberals at numbers two and three on his card.
Family First’s Rebecca Scriven also confirmed One Nation would be placed ahead of Ms Milthorpe on her ticket. It appears most candidates will follow suit, giving Mr Farley a significant advantage.
Climate 200 and Gina Rinehart
Ms Milthorpe has faced sustained scrutiny over her funding, so I asked her to detail who was backing her campaign.
“I’ve had over 1000 donations from people across Farrer and the country, Climate 200 have given me about two per cent of my funding,” she said, describing Climate 200 as a “crowdfunding” group supported by 33,000 donors.
Mr Farley said his funding came from small and large businesses across the electorate. When asked if Gina Rinehart had contributed, he said the question was “above his pay grade” and a matter for the party.
Griffith councillor Mark Dal Bon asks a question. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Tensions flare over no “good Muslims” comment
Greens candidate Richard Hendrie was heckled when he accused One Nation leader Pauline Hanson of racism for reportedly saying there were no “good Muslims” in a TV interview.
Mr Farley said his leader was “taken out of context”.
“There’s a lot of nonsense coming from [the Greens candidate]. We are an exemplar to the world of how to assimilate; if we want to keep that exemplar that will demonstrate what we need to keep out of the country at the same time,” he said.
Mr Robertson described Ms Hanson’s comments as “poorly phrased”.
He said he had previously lived in Saudi Arabia, got on well with people there, and disliked divisive rhetoric, arguing only a very small minority caused problems.
“We’ve got good Muslims in Griffith; they invited me in their house to celebrate Eid [religious holiday],” he said.
Who won the debate?
Speaking to audience members afterwards, there was strong praise for Mr Robertson, who spoke confidently and answered questions directly. Mr Farley was also articulate but at times circled questions rather than addressing them head-on. Ms Milthorpe started slowly but finished strongly, while Ms Butkowski was quieter and generally outshone by her main rivals.
The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday 9 May. Early voting commences Tuesday 28 April. Check out the Australian Electoral Commission website for details on where to vote.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
