VOTERS in the Farrer federal electorate are seeking representation that puts people before political parties, according to a non-partisan community group.
Voices of Farrer was established in 2022 as a grassroots movement “energised by the idea of doing politics differently”.
The Farrer electorate is the second largest in NSW, stretching from Albury to the South Australian border.
It has been held by the Coalition parties for all of its 75 years.
Incumbent member and Liberal Party deputy leader Sussan Ley succeeded The Nationals’ Tim Fischer in 2001.
At the 2022 election, Ms Ley won comfortably with 66.4 per cent of the two-party-preferred vote, despite a swing against her of 3.5 per cent.
Voices of Farrer events co-ordinator Sharon Potocnik said a “growing” number of Farrer constituents were voicing their opinion that three-quarters of a century in office was a long time for “one political perspective to hold sway”.
During 2023, the Voices for Farrer movement built a following by facilitating community and social events throughout towns across Farrer including Hay, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Corowa and Albury, in addition to hosting several online events.
“Throughout these conversations, Voices of Farrer consistently hears from people who want to see more respect, greater transparency and collaboration from our politicians, as well as integrity and accountability in our political system,” Ms Potocnik said.
Ms Potocnik said the focus of events was to facilitate discussion about what matters to the people of Farrer, and to listen to people’s experiences of the current political representation.
“These discussions demonstrate that the people of Farrer are rejecting the status quo and are seeking representation that puts people before political parties.
“Voices of Farrer continue to engage with communities across the electorate in 2024 to collect feedback about future parliamentary representation in Farrer prior to putting out the call for confidential expressions of interest for candidate selection in mid-2024.”
Ms Ley defended her two-decade-long rein, pointing to more than $500 million in funding to the electorate during the previous term of government.
“I am actually very proud of that spending, with $146 million to local projects and programs across the Wentworth, Balranald and Hay Shires as well as Murray River and Edward River councils,” Ms Ley said.
“And what’s happened with the return of a Labor government?
“They’ve cut spending here and in regional economies across the country. Then we have the double whammy impact of cost-of-living pressures; mortgages, rents, groceries, fuel … everything costs more under this government.”
Ms Ley claimed Voices of Farrer wanted an end to oppositional two-party politics.
“The reality of Australia’s political system is that only a party of government can deliver real outcomes,” she said.
“A vote for a nice person who might profess to be a local champion means you can get stuck with someone who can do nothing, with a lot of flip-flopping but not much consistent policy substance.
“The group also wants more community involvement and consultation in decision-making.
“This already happens in Farrer. The Pooncarie-Menindee Road sealing, Wentworth Civic Centre upgrade, the changerooms at Greenham Park in Balranald, Hay’s new recycling plant through to Moama’s preschool are each local ideas which I was asked to help make happen.
“Over 31 weeks of last year, I was in various parts of my electorate, talking and meeting with people, listening to their needs and ideas. The only reason it wasn’t more than that, was the 20 weeks spent attending parliament in Canberra.
“That’s the job of a local MP and I am proud to stand on my record of delivery in Farrer. It just so happens I am also proud to represent the Liberal Party.
“My door is always open.”
The next federal election will likely be held next year and a current redistribution of NSW electorates could alter Farrer’s boundaries before voters return to the polls.
Voices for Farrer will hold an online question and answer session on February 6, from 7:30pm – 9:00pm.
More information is at www.voicesoffarrer.org.au/event_calendar
