A regenerative farmer who is also Rupert Murdoch’s son-in-law has become a financial supporter for independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe in the Farrer by-election. As Ms. Milthorpe competes against representatives from the Liberals and One Nation, the Nationals are also aiming for a significant performance in this competitive contest scheduled for May.
So far, the main candidates have not formed any preference agreements, although the minor party Family First has explicitly stated it will not support One Nation in this election.
Supporters of Michelle Milthorpe are expressing their enthusiasm following the endorsement from Alasdair MacLeod, a notable pro-climate farmer and son-in-law to the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Mr. MacLeod, who heads the regenerative farming enterprise Macdoch Australia, has contributed to the Regional Voices Fund to bolster Ms. Milthorpe’s campaign ahead of the May 9 by-election.
The exact amount of the donation will be revealed in the financial report for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which will include all contributions to the Farrer election, now featuring nearly a dozen candidates.
Recently, the AEC announced a delay in its plans to initiate real-time donation disclosures, pushing the timeline from July to January 2027 due to “system constraints.”
Current public polling indicates that the Farrer by-election may result in a tight contest involving Ms. Milthorpe, One Nation’s candidate David Farley, and Raissa Butkowski from the Liberals, who is vying to succeed former opposition leader Sussan Ley.
The outcome is expected to hinge on unpredictable preference distributions, as no formal agreements have yet been established among the leading candidates. However, Family First has made it clear that it will not support One Nation in this instance.
Mr. MacLeod expressed his support for Ms. Milthorpe, describing her as someone who is “genuinely connected to her region” and dedicated to achieving tangible results. He highlighted the growing pressures faced by regional Australians, including rising living costs and climate challenges affecting agriculture and infrastructure.
“The community is feeling angry and frustrated, and rightly so,” he stated. “Many individuals feel overlooked or marginalized by the current system. We need to transform that frustration into something constructive that rebuilds trust and serves regional Australia, rather than fostering division.”
Lorraine Gordon, chair of the Regional Voices Fund, praised Mr. MacLeod’s involvement, noting his advocacy for regenerative agriculture and sustainable regional economies.
Ms. Milthorpe remarked that her community is “exasperated” by the tripling of water prices over the past year and the recent doubling of fuel costs, emphasizing that it is now a “do or die” situation for her constituents. She expressed gratitude to Mr. MacLeod and the many others who have supported her campaign.
While Ms. Milthorpe’s supporters celebrate her funding, her opponents argue that her connections with organizations like the Regional Voices Fund, which contributed $60,000 to kickstart her campaign, and Climate 200 indicate a political alignment with the urban “teal” movement. Ms. Milthorpe has previously mentioned that such donations have provided her a competitive edge against larger parties.
As the by-election approaches, candidates are intensifying their campaigns around pressing issues such as living costs, water availability, and healthcare. Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski highlighted concerns regarding grocery, housing, energy, and fuel costs, as well as the need for improved water security and support for small businesses and farmers.
Brad Robertson, the Nationals candidate, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the necessity for adequate healthcare services in the region.
The Farrer by-election marks a significant opportunity for One Nation, with candidate David Farley aiming to leverage the party’s favorable polling results to secure a seat in the House of Representatives. He acknowledged that water management, fuel security, health, and living expenses are vital issues for voters in the area.
When discussing climate change, Mr. Farley noted that agricultural sustainability is a more pressing focus for most farmers than climate initiatives, stating that only a minority are engaged in climate action.
In a recent announcement, Family First declared it would not preference One Nation in the Farrer by-election, citing serious concerns regarding Mr. Farley’s conduct. Lyle Shelton, the national director of Family First, referenced a report concerning Mr. Farley’s social media activity that he has defended as unintentional, asserting that the party prioritizes respect for women and girls.
