Michelle Milthorpe, a teacher from Jindera in New South Wales, is standing as an independent candidate in the upcoming Farrer by-election, taking on One Nation's David Farley. Milthorpe, who first considered running for office in February 2024, previously reduced Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's majority to 6.2 per cent at the federal election last May.
Milthorpe's entry into politics was motivated by the sexual abuse of her two daughters by a family friend in 2013. She campaigned for changes to the justice system, leading to reforms allowing child victims to pre-record testimonies and access intermediaries. She says the 'beige' responses from politicians drove her to seek change independently.
Backed by the Climate 200 funding group, Milthorpe has faced accusations from opponents that she is a 'teal' independent, akin to those who ousted Liberal MPs in inner-city seats. She rejects this label, arguing that her rural context is fundamentally different. 'It's a weak and lazy criticism,' she said. 'We've got nothing in common, except that we're women who want to do well for our communities.'
On energy policy, Milthorpe supports small renewables projects in Farrer, the second largest seat in NSW, but insists that coal and gas are necessary for grid stability. She also calls for fairer compensation for communities hosting renewables and notes that electric vehicles are impractical in the region, relying instead on a loaned Toyota Landcruiser.
The by-election on 9 May is seen as a test for both the Coalition and One Nation, with Milthorpe tipped to eclipse the two Coalition candidates. She appeared alongside independent ACT senator David Pocock over the weekend, underscoring her cross-bench appeal.
