New Farrer candidate Michelle Milthorpe promises to be present in communities

Incumbent Member Sussan Ley says criticising party politics is “just independents’ rhetoric”

Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, at the recent announcement of her intention to run for the federal seat of Farrer, supported by members of the Voices of Farrer movement. Image: Voices of Farrer.

By Krista Schade

After being announced as the Voices of Farrer endorsed candidate Michelle Milthorpe officially launched her campaign for the federal seat.

At a gathering in her home town of Jindera last Wednesday, Ms Milthorpe said she was ‘thrilled’ to announce her candidacy.

“I thank Voices of Farrer for their endorsements and their commitment to doing politics differently and giving our communities a choice,” she said.

“I'm here to listen and to learn from Farrer communities so that I can represent, represent us and lead Farrer forward. I'm going to be present in communities across Farrer.

“I'm going to be present in communities across Farrer to hear what's needed to live our best lives in order to represent the electorate with integrity and authenticity, I will shape my policies through conversation with community and stakeholders.

“It's become increasingly concerning for all of us that regional Australia has lost its voice.

“Those who are meant to be standing up for us are being influenced by major party politics and they are continually failing to address the needs of regional Australia.

“At a time when the cost of living is rising with inadequate access to healthcare, telecommunications and housing, who is confidently and consistently speaking up for us?

“Who is listening and collaborating to find solutions, in a time when our community, particularly our food producers, are experiencing uncertainty around energy, water and sustainability?

“What we've seen is major party politicians voting along city-centric party lines and not in the interests of regional Australia.

“The oppositional nature of the two-party system is failing to meet our needs. Farrer has been too safe for too long, and we're falling behind. It is time to try something new, someone that will lead us to positive change.

“I will not falter. I am committed and I am determined. I'm passionate about returning regional Australia's voice to the table.

“I am one of you. Party bosses and vested interests will throw everything at Farrer to win, but we are not for sale. I'm in this because Farrer is worth fighting for.”

Ms Milthorpe said she had plans to visit as many communities as possible, in the lead up to the next federal election.

“I will listen and I will learn from you so that I can genuinely represent and lead us into the future.

“It's not going to be easy, but I can do difficult things,” she said.

“Let's get to work.”

Incumbent member and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley previously said she predicts an election will be held in December.

Ms Ley has held the seat of Farrer since 2001 and said she and her party have worked hard for the electorate.

“Criticising the traditional political parties is just independents’ rhetoric,” Ms Ley said.

“I am proud to represent the Liberal Party in Farrer, and we’re working incredibly hard to return to government with sensible polices which look after all corners of Australia.

“We have an energy strategy which doesn’t devastate swathes of prime agricultural land, we want to bring balance back to the Basin Plan and reignite mobile phone and regional development funding which will actually be delivered.    

“In the last term of government, I delivered over half a billion dollars in extra federal funding on projects throughout Farrer, boosting this region’s capacity to grow and prosper.

“I want to see this happen again, and we can do that by getting rid of Labor and returning a Coalition Government which cares about rural Australia.”