The fight for Farrer
In the lead up to the Farrer by-election on May 9, Back Country Bulletin takes a look at those candidates who have stepped forward to contest the seat.
The 2026 Farrer by-election was triggered by the sudden resignation of the Hon. Sussan Ley, who had represented the electorate for 25 years. Following a Liberal party room leadership spill on February 13, 2026, Ley was defeated by Angus Taylor (34 votes to 17). Shortly after losing the leadership, Ley announced she would retire from federal politics, formally submitting her resignation to the Speaker of the House on February 27. Her departure has opened up the traditionally safe conservative seat for the first time in over two decades.
This by-election is being viewed as a significant early test for the new Liberal leader, particularly as it marks a rare contest between the Coalition partners. Under standard Coalition rules, the National Party does not challenge a sitting Liberal member, but since the seat is now vacant, the Nationals have fielded their own candidate to try and reclaim the seat they last held in 2001.
With a high-profile Independent and a surging One Nation presence also in the mix, the May 9 vote is expected to be a pivotal moment for regional representation in southern New South Wales.
While candidates like Raissa Butkowski (Liberal) and Brad Robertson (National) are focusing on the Coalition’s traditional strengths in agriculture and defense, Michelle Milthorpe (Independent) is leveraging her 2025 momentum to advocate for a “non-partisan” approach to regional health and climate.
David Farley (One Nation) is explicitly targeting “disaffected conservative voters” with a focus on cost-of-living and water security.
| Candidate | Party | Background |
| Raissa Butkowski | Liberal | Albury City councillor and lawyer for Hume Riverina Community Legal Service. |
| Brad Robertson | National | Retired Army Colonel and Chair of the Albury branch of the Nationals. |
| Michelle Milthorpe | Independent | Jindera-based teacher and advocate who finished second in the 2025 election. |
| David Farley | One Nation | Former CEO of the Australian Agricultural Company and Narrandera-based irrigator. |
| Richard Hendrie | The Greens | Mental health worker who m previously contested the seat in 2025. |
| Rebecca Scriven | Family First | Independent Christian school worker and 2025 candidate. |
What they’ve said
Raissa Butkowski (Liberal)
“Our region needs a representative who understands the law and local government. I am committed to ensuring Farrer remains a priority in Canberra and will fight for the water security our farmers depend on.”
Brad Robertson (National)
“Times are tough here, with drought hitting hard and the cost of living going through the roof. People in the regions want actions and solutions… I am committed to making our region a better place for families.”
Michelle Milthorpe (Independent)
“Our communities deserve a reliable and relatable representative… Farrer’s future cannot be an afterthought to party politics. I will push for grid stability, renewable energy benefits for locals, and better regional health infrastructure.”
David Farley (One Nation)
One Nation says they represent “the only real alternative for Australians who are watching their living standards go backward under Labor.” Farley has specifically highlighted his background as an irrigator to advocate for water rights.
Rebecca Scriven (Family First)
“I am standing to stop ideologically based energy policies that financially burden families… and to increase housing affordability to allow families to flourish.”
Richard Hendrie (The Greens)
As a mental health advocate, Hendrie has promised to focus on “better resourcing for regional mental health services” and urgent climate action to mitigate the impact of fires and floods on the Riverina.
Key details for the by-election
- Nominations close: Monday, April 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
- Early voting starts: Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
- Labor participation: The Labor Party is currently not expected to field a candidate, potentially leaving the field open for a contest between the Coalition partners, One Nation, and Independent Michelle Milthorpe.
- Voter enrolment: If you have recently moved or need to update your details, the AEC deadline for enrolment is 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 8.
This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 20 March 2926.
