Candidates Sussan Ley and Michelle Milthorpe have traded blows already. Photo: Supplied.
The two likely frontrunners for the federal seat of Farrer have exchanged digs at each other ahead of a Griffith Business Chamber ‘Meet the Candidates’ forum and debate at the Griffith Exies Sports Club on Wednesday (23 April).
Deputy Liberals leader and incumbent Sussan Ley hit back at claims made on Facebook page Griffith Free Local News that she may miss the event, while also firing a shot at her opponent, independent Michelle Milthorpe.
“Sussan is keen to attend the Griffith Q&A to talk more about the Coalition’s $20 billion Regional Future Fund announced last week but also outline why a Climate 200 independent is such a dangerous proposition for the MIA,” a spokesperson said.
“Make no mistake, this is our very future on the line. These so-called ‘community independents’ are funded by a Greens lobby group, only run against Coalition candidates, with an agenda the same as the Labor Party, including the unchecked rollout of renewables on prime agricultural land and stripping more water away from our productive farmers.”
Climate 200 is a crowd-funded interest group that supports independent candidates who promote action on climate change.
Ms Milthorpe said while she had accepted a donation from the group, she strongly rejected her opponent’s characterisation of her.
“Whilst it’s disappointing that the incumbent continues to refer to me as something I’m not, it is not surprising. If I thought that the major parties were doing their job, I wouldn’t be running. Calling me “dangerous” is laughable,” she said.
“My position on water and renewables, both formulated through listening and learning from people with lived experience and experts, would indicate that I am going to be advocating for what is right for the people of Farrer above anything else.
“I am opposed to water buybacks. I understand how important it is to keep our farmers farming and our agricultural communities sustainable. Regarding renewables, I support a measured transition, that does not leave regional communities carrying the cost, while city-based consumers reap the benefits. Any new transmission infrastructure must come with fair compensation, local benefits, and clear safeguards to protect agricultural land and regional livelihoods.”
Griffith Business Chamber hosts ‘meet the candidate’ forums in the lead up to most elections, giving residents the opportunity to hear directly from candidates contesting the seat of Farrer.
Alongside Ms Ley and Ms Milthorpe, Labor’s Glen Hyde, One Nation’s Emma Hicks, Gerard Rennick’s People First candidate David O’Reilly and Clive Palmer-backed Trumpet of Patriots’ Tanya Hargraves will attend.
The Greens’ Richard Hendrie, Shooters Fishers and Farmers’ Peter Sinclair and Family First’s Rebecca Scriven have told organisers they will not be there.
Questions will be asked and discussion moderated by the author of this article, representing Region, alongside journalists from The Area News and Triple M.
“This is your chance to hear directly from those who want to represent us in Canberra,” Griffith Business Chamber President John Nikolic said.
“We’re facing significant challenges in our region and we need strong voices who understand them. We urge the entire community to come along — whether you’re in business, farming, healthcare, education or just want to understand more about what affects your local region. This is a chance to be informed before you cast your vote.”
The meet the candidates forum will be held at 5:45 pm on Wednesday 23 April at the Griffith Exies Sports Club [The Sporties] at 33 Speirs Street. Attendance is free but is RSVP essential by emailing [email protected]
