Who Will Challenge for Farrer? One Nation’s Final Three Revealed Ahead of Albury Showdown

In Short

• The Final Three: Agribusiness experts David Farley and Guy Cooper join Albury small business owner Leigh Wolki as the finalists from a pool of 80 applicants.
• Decision Day: Local One Nation members will vote to select their candidate at the Albury Convention Centre on March 7 at 9:00 am.
• High Stakes: The winner will contest the seat of Farrer—a massive NSW electorate covering the Murray-Darling Basin—in a by-election triggered by Sussan Ley's resignation.

The field of candidates vying to represent One Nation in the upcoming Farrer by-election has been narrowed to three. Local party members are scheduled to meet at the Albury Convention Centre at 9:00 am on 7 March to vote on who will contest the seat.

The pre-selection follows what the party describes as an extensive review process involving more than 80 applicants. The pre-selection vote will determine One Nation’s challenger for a seat that encompasses a vast portion of the NSW western division and the Murray-Darling Basin, as well as the cities of Albury and Griffith.

The Candidates

The three finalists selected to face the membership bring varying backgrounds in agribusiness, water policy, and local commerce:

David Farley (69): A Narrandera-based agribusiness professional with international experience in the United States, Africa, and the former Soviet Union. His platform focuses on his professional understanding of water reform within the Murray-Darling Basin.

Leigh Wolki (58): An Albury-based small business owner who has resided in the region for nearly four decades. Her background includes experience in agriculture and the operation of local small businesses.

Guy Cooper (31): An agribusiness relationship manager based in Boeill Creek. A fifth-generation member of a local farming family, his career has focused on the regional agricultural industry.

Party Leadership Statements

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson stated that interest in the Farrer candidacy had been significant following the opening of nominations.

“There’s been a tremendous effort by our party reviewing more than 80 applications in such a short time, and the contest has now come down to a final three,” Senator Hanson said.

“I acknowledge and thank everyone who put their hand up.”

Senator Hanson further remarked on the connection the finalists have to the electorate’s primary industries.

“Leigh, Guy and David are all dedicated locals who understand what makes Farrer tick,” Senator Hanson said.

“They know what’s at stake for the residents, businesses and industries of their communities at this by-election. The eyes of the entire nation will be on the outcome in Farrer.”

The by-election date is yet to be formally confirmed.