One Nation Member for Farrer David Farley (centre), with his wife and daughter, speaks to supporters after winning the Farrer by-election.Photo: AAP/Bianca De Marchi
“You voted for change you can trust, and I promise, that life can get better.”
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That was the message from David Farley on Saturday night after political commentators called the Farrer by-election for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation just before 8pm.
The result marks a historic shift in the electorate, delivering One Nation its first lower house seat in Federal Parliament and ending the Coalition’s long-standing hold on Farrer.
Farrer was established in 1949, and until now, has always been served by a National or Liberal member.
While the Australian Electoral Commission is yet to formally declare the polls, the results on Saturday night were enough for the call to be made less than two hours after polling centres closed.
“I will work every single day to repay the trust you’ve placed in me,” Mr Farley said on Saturday night.
“Farrer is in my heart, and it drives everything I do.
“Our One Nation team is committed to standing up for Farrer and for Australia.
“If we’re going to return our nation to prosperity, we need to lead with courage and determination.
“Through hard work, we can build a stronger future, and that work starts right here in Farrer.”
Farley has outlined his key priorities for the electorate going forward, including cost-of-living relief through changes to net-zero policies, improved water management, better access to healthcare, and reduced immigration.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson also addressed the result on Saturday.
“This is not only a win for Farrer, it’s a win for the rest of Australia,” she said.
“We're going to look forward to the future and the people out there who may be watching, we're coming after those other seats.”
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson and One Nation Member for Farrer David Farley speak to supporters after winning the Farrer by-election at the party reception in Albury. Photo: AAP/Bianca De Marchi
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AAP
First preference results from all 94 polling places, including postal votes, showed Mr Farley secured 38,919 votes (39.45 per cent of the primary vote), representing a 32.85 per cent swing to One Nation.
Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe finished a strong second with 28,003 votes (28.39 per cent), recording an 8.43 per cent swing in her favour.
Saturday’s results also showed a significant collapse in the Coalition vote, with a primary swing of more than 31 per cent against the Liberals.
The Liberal Party’s Raissa Butkowski received 12,2151 votes (12.38 per cent), while Brad Robertson of the National Party polled 9599 votes (9.73 per cent).
Combined, the Coalition parties attracted just over 22 per cent of the primary vote.
At the Deniliquin pre-polling centre, Mr Farley secured 49.66 per cent of the primary vote, marking a 42.54 per cent swing towards One Nation.
Ms Milthorpe received 24.47 per cent, while Ms Butkowski received seven per cent, representing a 40.74 per cent swing against the Liberals. Mr Robertson attracted 349 votes, or 12.47 per cent.
Voters gathered at Moama Public School on by-election day to cast their ballots.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
On election day, results ate local polling booths were as follows:
Blighty: Farley - 86 votes (76.79 per cent of primary votes; Robertson - 12 votes (10.71 per cent), Milthorpe - eight votes (7.14 per cent); Butkowski - four votes (3.57 per cent).
Deni High School: Farley - 404 votes (43.35 per cent); Milthorpe - 299 votes (32.08 per cent); Robertson - 84 (9.01 per cent); Butkowski - 51 (5.47 per cent).
Deniliquin Cadet Hall: Farley - 249 votes (55.33 per cent); Milthorpe - 100 votes (22.22 per cent); Robertson - 38 votes (8.44 per cent); Butkowski - 22 votes (4.89 per cent).
Deniliquin Edward School: Farley - 240 votes (47.34 per cent); Milthorpe - 127 votes (25.05 per cent); Robertson - 44 votes (8.68 per cent); Butkowski - 37 votes (7.3 per cent).
Mathoura: Farley - 234 votes (57.35 per cent); Milthorpe - 69 votes (16.91 per cent); Robertson - 38 votes (9.31 per cent); Butkowski - 30 votes (7.35 per cent).
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