Senior One Nation members express growing doubts about Farrer by-election candidate David Farley’s long-term commitment, fearing he could abandon the party if victorious on Saturday. Tensions escalated recently when Farley neglected to inform leader Pauline Hanson, chief of staff James Ashby, or senior figure Barnaby Joyce about a report highlighting his past political shifts.
Campaign Scrutiny and Past Associations
Party insiders report heated internal debates followed the publication. Farley faces questions over his history, including a previous bid for Labor preselection and positive remarks about independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, whom he called a “straight shooter.” Nationals volunteers at polling stations claimed Farley supported Milthorpe in 2022, though no proof has surfaced.
Farley later disclosed to One Nation leaders that he briefly considered Labor but withdrew, citing a cultural mismatch. At a candidates’ panel, he explained: “Democracy doesn’t live in a museum. It actually lives in a gymnasium. It’s active.” He added, “When I got in the door [for Labor], it was obvious that, culturally, I didn’t fit. My comments on [Julia] Gillard don’t fit them, and I got out of the door.” In 2012, Farley had likened the former Labor prime minister to a “non-productive old cow.”
Policy Clashes Emerge
Farley diverged from party lines at another forum, stating Australia’s net migration hitting 306,000—over twice the proposed 130,000 cap—might not pose a problem. “If we’re successful in One Nation’s water policies, we’re going to need more labour, and we’re going to need more labour quickly, skilled labour,” he said. He emphasized focusing on productivity and capacity building to determine true needs.
A party source noted: “If Farley wins this race, it will be because Pauline’s brand is impenetrable at the moment. The win will be in spite of him.” Another suggested Farley take a break using Hanson’s new plane, donated by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart.
External Criticism and Candidate Response
Liberal senator James Paterson described Farley as “quite a disaster” on Sky News Australia, adding, “I imagine One Nation having serious second thoughts about him.” Farley responded on social media: “I’ve never seen anything quite like this campaign. Every time you turn on the telly or open the computer, there’s another attack ad.” He continued, “I’m not naive about politics. But there’s something a bit telling when all your opponents can manage is to attack the other bloke. Somewhere along the way, they forgot to come up with a plan.”
Party History of Turnover
One Nation’s instability heightens concerns, with nearly 75% of its pre-2025 state and federal representatives—27 out of 37—leaving before completing a term. Internal conflicts, often linked to Hanson’s centralized leadership, have driven exits. Four of eight federal senators failed to serve full terms due to disputes and resignations. In NSW, all upper house One Nation MPs have departed, and Queensland saw all 11 original MPs exit in one term.
Path to Victory Despite Drama
Despite issues, One Nation anticipates success, bolstered by Liberal and Nationals preferences over Milthorpe. Insiders report steady support for Farley, fueled by Hanson’s top rankings in Redbridge and Essential polls as Australia’s most popular politician. Liberals prefer One Nation, viewing a Hanson-backed win as easier to challenge later than Milthorpe entrenching like independents in Indi.
Barnaby Joyce attributed Farley’s immigration remarks to campaign stress, stressing better oversight for future seats. “We have to have some oversight and some process to make sure we look like a professional, diligent outfit,” Joyce said. “Otherwise, you’re just going to have a range of people who have never been there before.”
