One Nation Candidate Wins Farrer By-Election

One Nation candidate David Farley won the 2026 Farrer by-election, taking the seat from the Coalition.

Farley is one of two One Nation lower-house members. Australian National University associate professor Jill Sheppard said he will not be consulted on legislation but can still draw attention to Farrer issues.

Farley told the ABC he accidentally supported a Greens and teal-backed motion to cap fuel-tax credits for large mining companies. He said he later tried to correct the vote with the Clerk of the House and assured voters it would not happen again. He also joined Greens and teal members on a failed motion for further gambling reforms.

Farley said he supports One Nation policies but will seek backing from the Coalition, crossbench, and Labor government.

Deniliquin farmer Lisa Burge, who lost crops and livestock in 2016 and 2022 floods, joined One Nation and backed Farley after blaming decades of Murray-Darling Basin mismanagement. Farm-machinery dealer Jamie Tasker said reduced water allocations shrink towns, cut services, and drive young people away.

In Jindera, some younger voters remained unconvinced. Nineteen-year-old Bulldogs player Patrick Byrnes said he initially considered One Nation but voted for The Nationals. Teammate Will Strauss, 25, said One Nation's immigration stance did not fit an agricultural area that relies on migrant labor.

Farley said the party is moving from fringe status toward mainstream acceptance, with at least 23 months until the next federal election.