politics
Farrer By-Election Called for May 2026 After Sussan Ley's Departure
Voters go to the polls Thursday in the New South Wales federal seat of Farrer to replace Sussan Ley, who held it for 25 years. Nationals leader Matt Canavan conceded the contest will be difficult against One Nation and independent candidates. Separately, the federal government confirmed an extra $3.8 billion for Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop while announcing an east coast gas reservation scheme.
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Voters in the federal seat of Farrer will head to the polls on 2026-05-08 to choose a replacement for Sussan Ley. Ley held the seat of Farrer for 25 years after winning it in 2001 following the retirement of Tim Fisher. Nationals leader Matt Canavan said it will be an 'uphill battle' for the Nationals to win the Farrer by-election.
He told ABC Radio National Breakfast there is 'no doubt' it will be an 'uphill battle' for his party to win over One Nation candidate David Farley or independent challenger Michelle Milthorpe. Canavan said people have been disappointed in the Nationals.
He told ABC Radio National Breakfast that he has been frustrated with his own side the last few years but is now listening to voters in the rural New South Wales seat.
People still speak fondly of Tim Fisher, Canavan added on ABC Radio National Breakfast. "That's the kind of leadership, that's the representation, that's the fight I want to bring back to the National Party," he said. 8 billion in Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop.
5 billion. In 2025 the Victorian government said it was 'confident' it could get $11 billion from the federal government for the project.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King flagged in March 2026 that a top-up was on the way for the Suburban Rail Loop in this year's federal budget. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is 'proud' to partner with the Victorian government on the Suburban Rail Loop.
The government also announced an east coast gas reservation scheme that would require LNG producers to supply 20 per cent of their exports for the domestic market from July 2027.
