Documents seen by Guardian Australia reveal that David Farley, the One Nation candidate expected to win the Farrer byelection on Saturday, had actively sought involvement with the independent Voices movement before the group endorsed his rival Michelle Milthorpe. Farley, who is running against Milthorpe, discussed preferences and suggested a platform for both the House and Senate campaigns ahead of the 2022 election.
Farley's Engagement with Voices of Farrer
Texts, emails, and other documents show that Farley was keen to meet with the Voices of Farrer campaign in 2023 and 2024. He purchased a ticket to their event, shared ideas, and even discussed election preferences. In a February 2024 message to a Voices coordinator, Farley wrote: "Would like to share some thoughts on a 'Farrer platform' for a campaign for both NSW federal Senate and the seat of Farrer."
Farley also emailed the coordinator about preference management: "Would welcome discussion when we meet Tuesday on the proposed management of preferences, whose and how to secure them." At that time, Sussan Ley was the deputy Liberal leader and held the seat with a 66-34 margin in 2022.
Background on Farley's Political Journey
Farley's political history has been scrutinized during the byelection, sparked by Ley's resignation. Reports indicate he approached Labor about running in 2022 and later endorsed Milthorpe's campaign, calling her a "straight shooter, good woman." A One Nation spokesperson acknowledged Farley's "journey" before joining Pauline Hanson's party.
Records show Farley reserved a ticket to a Voices of Farrer event in September 2023 and made a small donation, though he later cancelled due to conflicting meetings. He expressed interest in meeting the team in the future.
Voices Movement and Its Impact
The Voices movement, inspired by Cathy McGowan's 2013 campaign, helps local candidates run as independents. Groups have supported independents like Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, some with funding from Climate 200. Milthorpe was endorsed by Voices of Farrer in 2024 but lost to Ley with a 56-44 margin.
A One Nation spokesperson said: "Most Australians have a history of voting or supporting other political parties... David Farley has taken that same journey." Pauline Hanson referred to Milthorpe as a "fake independent" due to Climate 200 links.
Campaign Dynamics and Farley's Stance
Campaign material from One Nation, Liberals, and Nationals has highlighted Milthorpe's Climate 200 ties and Farley's shifting affiliations. Nationals' corflutes depict Farley in a Labor T-shirt, and Facebook videos portray him as a chameleon. At a candidate forum, Farley defended his party changes, saying he explored options before finding a home in One Nation.
Farley also appeared to contradict One Nation immigration policy, endorsing Labor's net overseas migration numbers. He stated: "Democracy doesn't live in a museum, it actually lives in a gymnasium... where you place your energies for public service needs to be matched and aligned."
