Michelle Milthorpe says she would be the better conservative option to preference. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe has criticised the Liberal and National parties for recommending voters preference One Nation ahead of her on their Farrer by-election how-to-vote cards, arguing her conservative credentials outweigh those of her main rival.
A regional-based political scientist has also weighed into the debate, warning the Coalition’s controversial decision could ultimately backfire.
Milthorpe highlights conservative credentials
Nationals candidate Brad Robertson said the preference deal was struck because One Nation is a fellow right-wing party – but Ms Milthorpe argues she is the more genuinely conservative option.
“I voted for Sussan Ley every election except the last election,” she said.
“I grew up in Cootamundra in a Nationals voting household. Mum watches Sky News. I admired Tim Fischer greatly. If we hadn’t been so let down in the regions by successive governments, I can easily imagine running under the Liberal or Nationals banner.
“For the regions, I am fighting for the farmers on our side of the river – while One Nation’s leader in South Australia has stood next to The Greens and accused New South Wales farmers of stealing water.”
She said the Coalition had done a deal with One Nation out of fear Pauline Hanson’s party could “wipe them out”.
Expert says the Liberals and Nationals have made a mistake
Charles Sturt University political expert Professor Dominic O’Sullivan said that logic could prove self-defeating.
“I think the Liberals and the Nationals have made a strategic error,” he said.
“If the One Nation candidate wins on their preferences, he’s going to likely make life difficult for the Coalition in a way that Milthorpe would not.
“If Michelle Milthorpe is elected to parliament, that doesn’t really mean too much to the Liberals and Nationals … if the One Nation candidate wins, however, that has much wider national significance … it gives them another person in parliament for a party whose sole mission is to destroy the Liberal and National parties.”
Professor O’Sullivan said the preference arrangement made sense from a policy alignment point of view, but was poor tactically.
Farley favoured by bookies and other candidates
Following news of the deal this week, betting odds on a One Nation victory have shortened substantially. According to TAB, Mr Farley is at $1.44, Ms Milthorpe at $2.65, and the Liberals at $19 to retain a seat they have held for 25 years. The independent had been the favourite last week.
Minor parties Family First and People’s First have also released information on their how-to-vote cards, both placing One Nation ahead of the independent.
Ms Milthorpe will not recommend any preference order on her own card. Mr Farley will direct preferences to the Nationals at number two and the Liberals at number three.
It should be noted that voters are not obliged to follow hot-to-vote cards and can number candidates on their ballot in any order they wish.
A uComms poll released this week predicted One Nation to narrowly win the election after preferences are distributed.
The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday 9 May. Early voting commences Tuesday 28 April. Check out the Australian Electoral Commission website for details on where to vote.
