In the latest political announcement for the Farrer electorate today, Michelle Milthorpe has announced she will re-contest the seat, following today’s news that incumbent MP Sussan Ley will resign.

Ms Milthorpe ran in the last federal election, winning every polling booth in Albury and securing support in Jindera, Corowa, Deniliquin and Leeton.

She was the endorsed candidate of the community campaign Voices of Farrer, now know as We Are Farrer.

”Our region is ready for change,” Ms Milthorpe said.

”For too long the people of Farrer have been left wanting. Party politics too often get in the way of practical outcomes. Our communities deserve a reliable and relatable representative; someone who listens, understands our regional context, and is prepared to do the work to make policy better reflect life in rural and regional Australia.”

According to her statement Ms Milthorpe plans to focus on cost-of-living pressures, access to healthcare, aged care services, reliable telecommunications, water management and sustainable environmental practises.

“For too long, the people of Farrer have been left wanting,” Mrs Milthorpe said.

“Party politics too often gets in the way of practical outcomes. Our communities deserve a reliable and relatable representative; someone who listens, understands our regional context, and is prepared to do the work in Canberra to make policy better reflect life in rural and regionalAustralia.”

”The ongoing instability and undermining of her leadership meant the Coalition sidelined regional communities as it focussed on internal power struggles.

“The Coalition has been consumed by its own internal contests at a time when people are crying out for leadership. Farrer's future cannot be an afterthought to party politics.”

“We need strong, principled leadership that advocates fiercely for practical solutions that reflect the needs of regional and rural communities, and delivers outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives. I am that person.”

Mrs Milthorpe said she would be proud to accept backing from Australians who want to see sustainable environmental practices for future generations, including the crowdfunded

support of Climate 200.

“Both major parties signed up to the Paris Agreement long before I ever ran for office. The conversation has moved on. What our region needs is real consultation, a fair and practical transition, grid stability, renewable energy benefits that flow to communities, support for local manufacturing, and no new fossil fuel projects that ignore long-term realities. I will welcome support from anyone who wants a strong Independent voice for Farrer and I will answer only to the people of this electorate.”

Mrs Milthorpe said the decline in support for major parties across the electorate shows that voters are searching for something different.

“People are frustrated. But we don’t need blame or division, we need serious, community-driven advocacy that improves people’s lives. Farrer doesn’t need a party puppet. We need someone who knows our towns, our industries, and our families, and who will fight every day to deliver.”

“The last election proved this seat is no longer ‘safe’. Swings were recorded in almost every booth across the electorate. The people of Farrer have already signalled they want genuine representation. This by-election is our opportunity to finish what we started.”

“It’s time for change. It’s time for strong, principled leadership. A leader who shows up, listens, and delivers. Farrer cannot afford to be sidelined while party politicians play the same old games.”

Ms Milthorpe acknowledged the long parliamentary career of Ms Ley, describing it as “a significant contribution to public life.”