A local lawyer, Raissa Butkowski, has been nominated as the Liberal candidate to contest the upcoming by-election in Farrer, following the resignation of long-serving MP Sussan Ley. The announcement was made today at a preselection meeting held by Liberal Party members at the Albury Entertainment Centre.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Butkowski stated, “I’m very humbled to be selected by the Liberal Party to contest the Farrer by-election. I recognize Sussan [Ley] and her wonderful 25 years of legacy and service to not only this region but to the nation.”
Background and Experience
Raissa Butkowski brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy, currently working for the Hume Riverina Community Legal Service and serving as an Albury City councillor. Additionally, she is a board member of the Murray-Darling Association, which advocates for water concerns in the region.
Her involvement in local governance and community service positions her as a candidate with a deep understanding of the issues facing the Farrer electorate. “I will do it with passion, so I’m looking forward to the next eight weeks of the campaign, where I look forward to meeting as many people as possible,” she remarked.
Competitive Field of Candidates
The by-election, scheduled for May 9, is shaping up to be a competitive race. Ms. Butkowski is the sixth confirmed candidate, joining a diverse group of contenders. Last weekend, David Farley, an agri-businessman from Narrandera, announced his candidacy for One Nation. The Nationals have selected former military commander Brad Robertson, who is based in Albury.
Michelle Milthorpe, an educator and advocate for legal reform for sexual assault victims, declared her independent candidacy on the same day Sussan Ley announced her resignation. Meanwhile, the Greens have put forward Richard Hendrie, a mental health and disability advocate, and Rebecca Scriven will stand as a Family First candidate.
“Every vote at the campaign will matter, and the Liberals will not take any votes for the party for granted,” said Liberal senator Maria Kovacic, who attended the preselection meeting.
Implications and Future Steps
The Liberal Party is set to officially launch its Farrer campaign in Albury tomorrow morning, marking the beginning of what is expected to be an intense campaign period. As the candidates prepare to engage with voters, the by-election is seen as a crucial test for the Liberal Party’s influence in the region following Sussan Ley’s departure.
Labor has yet to announce whether it will field a candidate, though reports suggest it may abstain from the race. The absence of a Labor candidate could significantly alter the dynamics of the election, potentially benefiting smaller parties and independents.
With a varied lineup of candidates, the Farrer by-election promises to be a closely watched event, offering insights into the political climate and voter sentiment in the region. As the campaign unfolds, the candidates’ ability to address local issues and connect with constituents will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
The coming weeks will see candidates ramping up their efforts to win over voters, with each party hoping to secure a victory in this significant electoral contest.
