Brad Robertson to run for the Nationals in Farrer

The Nationals will contest the Farrer by-election with Albury local and community leader Brad Robertson as their candidate.

Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, described Mr Robertson as “a community champion” and praised his selection.

“The Nationals are all about local champions,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Brad Robertson has dedicated his life to serving Australia. First in uniform and now in his community.”

Mr Robertson spent 29 years in the Australian Army and chairs the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund and Manufacturing BRIDGE, a group supporting regional jobs and industry.

Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan said Mr Robertson understands the challenges facing regional communities and would be “a powerful voice for the people of Farrer in Canberra”.

“Farrer also has a proud Nationals history, with former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer representing the electorate for 17 years and becoming one of the most respected regional voices in the country,” Mr Hogan said.

Mr Robertson said he was honoured to have the support of local Nationals members.

“Farrer is a proud regional community and I’m standing because our region deserves strong representation that understands local issues,” Mr Robertson said.

The Nationals will campaign across the electorate ahead of the by-election.

The race for Farrer was triggered by the exit of ousted Liberal leader Sussan Ley after she quit politics in February.

It has kicked off a four-way contest between the Nationals, One Nation, a Climate-200 backed independent and the Liberals for the lower house seat.

On Saturday, Pauline Hanson confirmed Narrandera-based agribusiness and irrigation professional David Farley would contest the seat for One Nation.

“For Farrer to succeed, it needs political courage, and political tenacity,” Mr Farley told reporters in Albury.

“One Nation’s got that, and I believe I can deliver that.”

The populist party – which has capitalised on the Coalition’s months of instability to enjoy a boost in the polls – is vying for Farrer in the hopes of clinching its second seat in the House of Representatives.

The contest comes as the Coalition aims to re-establish itself among Australian conservatives after a summer of leadership uncertainty and toxic infighting between the Liberals and Nationals led to a dismal run in the polls.

The Liberals are yet to announce their candidate for Farrer but both Coalition nominees will rely on a preference deal.

Also contesting the rural NSW electorate is independent Michelle Milthorpe who unsuccessfully challenged Ms Ley for the seat during the last federal election.

She lost to the ex-Opposition Leader by 12.4 per cent but saw a +20 per cent swing, outranking the Labor and One Nation candidates respectively.

Ms Milthorpe said she was ready to fight for Farrer after the race was called last week.

“The by-election could not come any sooner, because the people of Farrer have been forgotten,” she said in a statement.

“Last election showed there was a real appetite for change, and this election we’re ready to finish the job.”