Farrer By-Election: Rural Voters Demand Change

0:00This is Cory with Adelaide News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. A bi-election is coming up in May for the Ferris Seat in southwestern New South Wales after Susan Lay resigned. This huge electorate spans 126,000 square kilometers, mixing the city of Albury with bass farming areas in the Murray-Darling. Basin, long a safe spot for the coalition, which held it for 25 years, now the Liberals and Nationals plan to run separate candidates for the first. Time in 25 years, they faced challenges from Pauline Hansen's one nation and independent Michelle Milthorb. Rural voters are fed up mainly over water policy. Farmers say government bybacks of water rights have hurt irrigation towns, shrunk communities, and threatened food security. Lifelong coalition supporters like potato grower, GF Moore, and winemaker Darren de Bortoli, want a royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin plan and are open to backing one nation, despite its tough immigration stance.

1:00Meanwhile, in Albury, where over 30% of voters live, complaints focus on the strained local hospital, housing shortages, and child care, deserts, residents like teacher Felicity Michael and business owner Leanne Lures feel neglected after years as a safe seat. Many past coalition backers are eyeing Milthorb, who came second last election with strong urban support. One nation just named agriculturalists David Farley as their candidate after sifting through over 80 applicants. He promises to fight for water, health, education, and child care. Milthorb pushes for a new hospital and has climate 200 funding, which some rural folks question. Voters across Farrah see this as a rare chance to shake things up and demand real attention to their needs from endless highways to patchwork farms. The Daily News now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen.