One Nation Targets Helen Dalton for Farrer

In Short

• The Approach: One Nation has officially invited Independent State MP Helen Dalton to contest the Farrer by-election. Dalton has confirmed discussions with Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce but remains undecided.
• The Domino Effect: If Dalton moves to federal politics, it will trigger a secondary by-election for her state seat of Murray, where she currently holds a significant 66% two-candidate preferred majority.
• A Crowded Field: This by-election marks the first three-cornered contest in Farrer since 2001. Contenders already include 2025 runner-up Michelle Milthorpe (who secured 43.8% of the two-candidate vote) and representatives from Family First and The Greens.

Following last week’s resignation of former Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley, the race for the sprawling federal seat of Farrer has intensified, with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation confirming they have approached high-profile Independent state MP Helen Dalton to run under their banner.

The move comes as One Nation is enjoying a rise in national polling, to contest what is expected to be a crowded by-election. Ms. Dalton, the current Member for Murray, confirmed she has been in discussions with both leader Pauline Hanson and Party figure Barnaby Joyce regarding the vacancy.

"I can confirm that Helen Dalton has been in discussions with Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce regarding the Farrer by-election," a spokesperson for Ms. Dalton said. "Helen will always put the needs and interests of her electorate first."

Ms. Dalton has previously stated her mobile phone has been "burning up" since Ms. Ley’s resignation, but she remains undecided on whether to make the jump to federal politics. If she chooses to run, she would need to resign her state seat, triggering a secondary by-election in Murray.

A spokesperson for One Nation confirmed their interest in the state MP but noted she is not the only high-profile figure on their radar.

"I can confirm that One Nation has spoken to Helen Dalton and that she's not the only person we have spoken to. We have spoken to several high-profile people within the Farrer electorate."

Other Approaches by One Nation

Reports indicate that One Nation is casting a wide net for a candidate with strong ties to the region's agricultural interests. Beyond Ms. Dalton, the party has reportedly approached Narrandera businessman David Farley, known for his advocacy regarding the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. One Nation has also approached vocal critic of current water management policies Darren De Bortoli. The Griffith winery head has reportedly turned down the offer.

Farrer By-Election: Confirmed and Likely Contenders

The upcoming by-election is set to be the first three-cornered contest in Farrer since 2001, as the Liberal-National Coalition agreement traditionally prevents the parties from running against an incumbent. With the seat vacant, both major conservative parties will face off.

2025 election runner-up Michelle Milthorpe, a community-backed Independent, has already begun her campaign to "finish what she started." The field is further bolstered by confirmed entries from Family First (represented by Rebecca Scriven), The Greens, and People First. Additionally, the unregistered Riverina State Party has expressed interest, but doen’t expect to have their Party officially registered with the Australian Electoral Commission in time for the planned by-election.

No date has yet been confirmed for the by-election.