Farrer Byelection Poses Critical Leadership Test for Angus Taylor as Independent Vows Victory
In a significant political development, independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe has announced her candidacy for the Farrer byelection, triggered by the retirement of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley. This contest in south-western New South Wales is set to become a pivotal test for Angus Taylor's leadership of the Liberal party, with Milthorpe confidently vowing to "finish what we started" and oust the Liberals from the seat.
Background and Electoral Dynamics
The byelection follows Ley's decision to quit politics after a brief tenure as Liberal leader, marking the second such vacancy caused by a former leader's retirement in recent years. Farrer, an electorate bordering South Australia and Victoria and encompassing towns like Albury, Deniliquin, and Griffith, has historically been a Liberal stronghold, but Milthorpe's strong performance in the last federal election, where she secured second place, signals a shifting political landscape.
Milthorpe, backed by groups including Climate 200, which contributed $170,000 to her previous campaign, emphasizes that Farrer's future "cannot be an afterthought to party politics." She criticizes the Coalition for being consumed by internal conflicts while regional communities face pressing issues like climate change, water management, and infrastructure neglect.
Campaign Focus and Local Issues
In her campaign, Milthorpe pledges to prioritize local concerns, advocating for a "reliable and relatable representative" who understands rural and regional contexts. She highlights the electorate's vulnerability to environmental challenges, stating, "As a rural, remote and regional electorate, we feel the burden of floods, fires and droughts first – and hardest." Her platform calls for real consultation, a fair transition to renewable energy, support for local manufacturing, and opposition to new fossil fuel projects.
Since the last election, Milthorpe has remained active, engaging with communities through social media, attending events like the Deni ute muster, and campaigning on contentious local issues such as the Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment. With the margin to Ley reduced to 6.2% in the previous vote, she believes the seat is no longer safe for the Liberals and that voters are ready for change.
Political Implications and Analyst Insights
Election analyst Antony Green predicts a messy contest, noting that the Nationals are likely to run against the Liberal candidate, potentially fracturing the conservative vote. He suggests Labor may sit out the race, leaving it to a "conservative slugfest." This dynamic could mirror the 2023 Aston byelection, where the Liberals lost a once-safe seat, a scenario that would be particularly damaging given Labor's recent electoral success.
The byelection, expected to coincide with the May federal budget, adds another layer of complexity. It will test Taylor's leadership amid internal party disputes and his shift toward anti-immigration policies, with Pauline Hanson's One Nation also planning to contest. Milthorpe's campaign, fueled by donations from climate action supporters, positions her as a formidable challenger aiming to capitalize on voter disillusionment with major parties.
As the orange emu corflutes return to the electorate, Milthorpe's message resonates: "This byelection is our opportunity to finish what we started." The outcome will not only determine Farrer's representation but also signal broader trends in Australian politics, particularly for independents and party stability in regional areas.
