Full Breakdown
David Farley Selected as One Nation Candidate for Farrer By-Election
3/8/2026, 10:07:17 PM
Key Facts of the Preselection
David Farley, a 69-year-old agribusiness veteran from Narrandera, has been selected as One Nation's candidate for the federal seat of Farrer in the upcoming by-election scheduled for May 9, 2026. Farley won the preselection contest held in Albury, defeating Leigh Wolki and Guy Cooper, emerging from a field of over 80 applicants. His candidacy follows the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who held the seat for 25 years.
Background and Context
Farley has a long history in the agricultural sector, having served as CEO of the Australian Agricultural Company and as Managing Director of Colly Cotton, which he expanded significantly. He has also worked internationally in various agribusiness roles. Recently, he has been an outspoken critic of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, advocating for regional communities through his chairmanship of Speak Up 4 Water.
Campaign Priorities
Farley’s campaign will focus on agricultural and migration reforms, emphasizing the importance of these issues for the Farrer electorate. He argues that agriculture is vital for the regional economy and insists that immigration policies must align with labor demands in the agricultural sector. Farley has stated, “The reality is that agriculture underwrites the employment of health, audit, engineering and a whole host of industries.”
Official Statements & Responses
Farley expressed his commitment to representing the interests of Farrer, stating, “For Farrer to succeed, it needs political courage and political tenacity. One Nation’s got that, and I believe I can deliver that.” One Nation leader Pauline Hanson highlighted the significance of the by-election, asserting that a victory for Farley would be a major shock to the established parties, particularly the Coalition.
Criticism & Opposition
The by-election is shaping up to be highly competitive, with the Liberal Party and the Nationals also contesting the seat, alongside independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, who previously outperformed Ley in Albury during the last federal election. Angus Taylor, the new Federal Opposition leader, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “The Farrer by-election is going to be a tough fight.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Farley has positioned himself as a strong candidate for One Nation, the Liberal Party has yet to announce its candidate, which adds uncertainty to the race. Additionally, Labor is not expected to field a candidate, a decision that has been interpreted as a strategic retreat by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
What's Next
As the May 9 by-election approaches, Farley is preparing to campaign vigorously across the electorate, aiming to convert his extensive experience in agribusiness into political representation. The outcome of this election could signal a shift in voter sentiment in a seat traditionally held by the Coalition, making it a critical contest to watch.
