‘Beholden only to the people of Farrer’

I appreciate the questions raised and the opportunity to respond directly.

Over the last eight months, I’ve spent most of my time on the road across Farrer.

I have sat at kitchen tables, attended community forums, met local government representatives, turned up to country shows and race days, set up community hubs and spoken with locals in towns right across Farrer.

From Griffith to Deniliquin, Balranald to Albury, Wentworth to Culcairn and everywhere in between, I’ve heard clearly what matters most - water, health care, farming sustainability, the cost of living, lack of mobile phone service and the frustration at being sidelined by city-focused policy decisions.

I’m running as an Independent because I believe this electorate deserves someone who will work with all sides of politics, and who will speak for our communities, not a political party.

While Farrer remains a safe seat, we will continue to be overlooked.

It’s no secret that major parties want to paint Independents with the same brush.

Let me be very clear: I am an Independent.

I am not funded by a party or bound to anyone’s agenda.

The overwhelming majority of donations to my campaign have come from the hardworking people of Farrer who believe our region deserves better representation.

My only agenda will be to represent our interests.

I am beholden only to the people of Farrer.

Regarding electoral funding, it's a shame that the same level of scrutiny isn’t levelled at the major parties about their funding sources.

Do we question the mining companies, big banks, supermarket chains, gambling entities or unions who make huge donations in an attempt to impact government decision making? And if not, why not?

I am opposed to water buybacks as they negatively impact productive agricultural land and regional communities.

Water policy must be shaped by the local knowledge of people who live and work in the Basin, a full understanding of the science and the social impacts.

I've already been working alongside other regional representatives and will continue to push for fairer, smarter approaches to water management that support both our farming future and the environment.

The decision to transition to renewables was agreed upon in 2015 (by the LNP) and successive governments have committed to this.

I strongly believe that we need planning that protects our prime agricultural land.

I’ve heard from many farmers concerned about large-scale transmission projects, and I agree - communities need a real say in decisions that affect their land and farmers cannot be sidelined.

Given that we currently don’t have a plan for grid stability other than gas and coal, there needs to be a balanced approach to energy use.

As for how I vote - every vote I make will be grounded in what I’ve heard directly from the people of Farrer.

That’s what true representation looks like. I’m not interested in toeing a party line.

I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead with integrity and common sense.

I’m not here to oppose policy for the sake of it, but to represent, advocate and negotiate.

I will work with anyone - across all sides of politics - if it means delivering good outcomes for our communities.

I’m grateful to the many people across our electorate who are engaging in these conversations.

I believe that together, we can build a better future for Farrer - one that reflects who we are and what we need.

Yours etc.

Michelle Milthorpe

Independent candidate for Farrer