Documents seen by Guardian Australia reveal that One Nation candidate David Farley actively sought involvement with the independent Voices movement before the last federal election. Farley, who is expected to win the Farrer byelection on Saturday ahead of Michelle Milthorpe, discussed preferences and suggested a platform for both a House and Senate campaign. However, the Voices group ultimately endorsed Milthorpe as their candidate.
Farley's Engagement with Voices of Farrer
Emails, texts, and other documents show that Farley was keen to meet with the Voices of Farrer campaign in 2023 and 2024. He purchased a ticket to their event, shared ideas, and even discussed election preferences. In a February 2024 text to a Voices coordinator, Farley wrote: "Would like to share some thoughts on a 'Farrer platform' for a campaign for both NSW federal Senate and the seat of Farrer."
In another email, he wrote: "Would welcome discussion when we meet Tuesday on the proposed management of preferences, whose and how to secure them." At the time, Sussan Ley was the deputy Liberal leader and had won Farrer with a 66-34 two-party margin at the 2022 election. Farley acknowledged the challenge, stating: "Sussan Ley with the position of deputy leader of the Liberal party and two-decade incumbent for Farrer will not go without a serious fight."
Voices Movement's Role
The Voices movement uses grassroots processes to find local candidates for independent campaigns. Inspired by Cathy McGowan's successful campaign in Indi, similar groups have helped elect community independents like Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender. Some Voices candidates receive funding from Climate 200. Voices of Farrer endorsed Milthorpe later in 2024, and she reduced Ley's margin to 56-44.
Farley's Political Journey
Farley's shifting party affiliations have been scrutinized during the byelection. He previously approached Labor about running in 2022 and even endorsed Milthorpe in 2025, calling her a "straight shooter, good woman" on Facebook. A One Nation spokesperson said Farley had been on a political "journey" before joining the party, adding: "Most Australians have a history of voting or supporting other political parties throughout their life."
At a candidates' forum, Farley did not deny his changing allegiances, stating he explored various options before finding a home in One Nation. He said: "I explored the path of independents ... can you go into Canberra as an independent without the machinery behind you? And I said no."
Campaign Tactics
Campaign material from One Nation, Liberals, and Nationals has highlighted Milthorpe's links to Climate 200, with Pauline Hanson calling her a "fake independent." Farley's past party shifts have been featured in Nationals' corflutes and Facebook videos portraying him as a chameleon. Farley, however, defended his journey, saying: "Like many Australians, I explored my options before finding a political home that actually reflects my values."
At the forum, Farley appeared to contradict One Nation's immigration policy by endorsing Labor's net overseas migration numbers. He said he sought a party with "courage and tenacity," which he found in One Nation, and added: "Democracy doesn't live in a museum, it lives in a gymnasium."
