One Nation candidate's past overtures to independent movement revealed

Key facts

• David Farley, One Nation's Farrer candidate, discussed campaign strategies and preferences with the 'Voices' movement.
• Farley sought to cooperate with the independent 'Voices' group before they endorsed his rival, Michelle Milthorpe.
• Documents show Farley's engagement with 'Voices of Farrer' occurred in 2023 and 2024.
• Farley texted a coordinator in February 2024 about discussing a 'Farrer platform' for federal campaigns.
• He also emailed about 'management of preferences' and 'how to secure them'.
• Farley purchased a ticket to a 'Voices of Farrer' event in September 2023.
• Sussan Ley, the incumbent Liberal for Farrer, resigned triggering the byelection.
• Farley is expected to win the Farrer byelection on Saturday.

Farley's Outreach to Grassroots Movement

David Farley, the One Nation candidate vying for the Farrer seat in an upcoming byelection, engaged in discussions with the independent community group 'Voices' prior to his nomination. These exchanges, documented in texts and emails, reveal Farley's attempts to collaborate on campaign strategies, including the suggestion of an election platform and the management of voter preferences. Farley's overtures to 'Voices of Farrer' occurred in late 2023 and early 2024. At the time, the independent movement was seeking candidates to challenge the established political parties. Documents indicate Farley was keen to share ideas and discuss electoral tactics with the group, even purchasing a ticket to one of their events. Despite these discussions, 'Voices of Farrer' ultimately endorsed Michelle Milthorpe as their candidate. This endorsement came after Farley had explored cooperation with the group, signalling a divergence in their paths towards the Farrer contest.

A "Political Journey" Before One Nation

A spokesperson for One Nation has acknowledged that Farley has been on a political "journey" prior to joining Pauline Hanson's party. This period of exploration appears to have included interactions with various political factions and movements. Farley's past political associations have drawn scrutiny during the Farrer byelection campaign. Reports have surfaced suggesting he previously approached the Labor party about running in the 2022 federal election. Furthermore, in 2025, he had publicly endorsed Milthorpe's campaign to unseat the then-Liberal incumbent, Sussan Ley, describing her as a "straight shooter, good woman" on Facebook. These revelations add a layer of complexity to Farley's candidacy, illustrating a period of shifting political allegiances before his alignment with One Nation.

Discussions on Preferences and Platforms

Specific communications highlight the nature of Farley's engagement with 'Voices of Farrer'. In February 2024, he texted a coordinator expressing a desire to "share some thoughts on a ‘Farrer platform’ for a campaign for both NSW federal Senate and the seat of Farrer." In a separate email to a 'Voices of Farrer' coordinator during the same month, Farley explicitly raised the issue of electoral preferences. He wrote, "Would welcome discussion when we meet Tuesday on the proposed management of preferences, whose and how to secure them." These exchanges underscore Farley's strategic thinking and his proactive efforts to engage with grassroots movements, even as he navigated his own political trajectory.

Context of the Farrer Electorate

The Farrer byelection was triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, who had held the seat for two decades and was serving as the Liberal deputy leader under Peter Dutton. Ley had secured Farrer in the 2022 with a two-party preferred margin of 66-34. Farley's communications with 'Voices of Farrer' also referenced the incumbent's position. He noted to a coordinator that "Sussan Ley with the position of deputy leader of the Liberal party and two-decade incumbent for Farrer will not go without a serious fight, that will be fought with a well-funded purse." He also expressed a sense of urgency regarding the timing of the next federal election, stating, "Next federal election must be on or before 27th September 2025 ~ 19 month away or earlier, time is of the essence as D day isn’t clearly transparent."

The 'Voices' Movement's Influence

The 'Voices' movement operates on a model of grassroots candidate selection, inspired by successful independent campaigns such as Cathy McGowan's victory in Indi in 2013. These groups have since been established across various electorates, supporting the election of community independents. Notable beneficiaries of the 'Voices' model include federal MPs Zali Steggall, Allegra Spender, Nicolette Boele, and Sophie Scamps. The movement's approach aims to empower local communities to select candidates who reflect their values and priorities. While Farley sought to engage with 'Voices of Farrer', the group ultimately chose to endorse Michelle Milthorpe, a decision that shaped the candidate landscape for the Farrer contest.

Farley's Expected Victory

Despite the revelations about his past political interactions, David Farley is presently projected to win the Farrer byelection. The contest is scheduled to conclude on Saturday. His campaign has garnered significant attention, partly due to his affiliation with One Nation and Pauline Hanson. The byelection presents a test for the party's reach beyond its traditional strongholds. Farley's path to this point, marked by overtures to independent movements and past political explorations, culminates in a moment where his electoral success appears imminent.

The bottom line

• One Nation's Farrer candidate, David Farley, engaged in strategic discussions with the independent 'Voices' movement before his nomination.
• Farley explored potential collaboration on campaign platforms and voter preferences with 'Voices of Farrer'.
• The 'Voices' movement, known for supporting community independents, ultimately endorsed Farley's rival, Michelle Milthorpe.
• Farley's political history includes past approaches to the Labor party and public endorsements of other candidates.
• The Farrer byelection was triggered by the resignation of long-serving Liberal MP Sussan Ley.
• Despite past political shifts, David Farley is currently expected to win the Farrer byelection.