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”.
“The question at the next election is, will the Coalition add another three years to their monopoly of party politics in Farrer, or will the electorate take the opportunity to shake up this status quo and choose an independent MP to represent them in Parliament?” Ms Potocnik said.
“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 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,” she said.
“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.”
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 Tuesday, February 6.
More information is at www.voicesoffarrer.org.au/event_calendar
