Barnaby Joyce has attributed a gaffe by One Nation's Farrer candidate David Farley to 'the pressure of a campaign' after Farley appeared to endorse Labor's immigration levels, contradicting his party's policy. Farley said net overseas migration of 306,000 was 'probably not' too many, despite One Nation's official stance capping migrants at 130,000 per year.
Speaking on Sky News, Joyce downplayed the inconsistency, stating that Farley agrees with the party policy when discussed. Joyce argued that immigration levels should be tied to capacity, noting that areas like Sydney and Melbourne cannot absorb 400,000 people annually without adequate housing, schools, and hospitals.
Farley, at a candidate forum, said One Nation wanted to match immigration to housing, health, and education policies, and highlighted the need for skilled labour under the party's water policies. He declined to give a specific number, saying it should depend on productivity and capacity building.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan criticised both Farley and independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, accusing them of running 'dishonest' campaigns. Canavan, whose party holds the seat, said he was fighting hard but did not raise expectations of a strong showing in the byelection.
Joyce also dismissed concerns about a million-dollar private plane donation from Gina Rinehart's company to One Nation, claiming it worries journalists more than ordinary voters. He argued that big donors indicate a compelling political philosophy, and noted that Labor and the Greens have their own major backers.
