Monash Experts: Farrer by-election
Monash University
With the Federal seat of Farrer by-election taking place this Saturday 9 May, Monash experts are available to talk about whether the Liberals can hold the seat previously held by former Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley. While Farrer has been a safe Coalition seat for decades, the experts can also discuss One Nation's chances of securing the seat and what it means for their overall political success.
Associate Professor Zareh Ghazarian, Head of Politics and International Relations, Monash School of Social Sciences
Contact: +61 402 851 224 or [email protected]
Comments attributable to Associate Professor Ghazarian:
“The Liberal and National parties are facing a critical electoral challenge. Having held the seat for decades, the coalition parties are seeking to keep Farrer in their hands. The result will give us an indication of how voters who have traditionally supported the Coalition feel about its current personnel and policy settings.
“Having missed out on winning the by-election in Nepean in Victoria, One Nation will now focus its energies on Farrer. Winning the by-election would have immense strategic value for the party. It would give them a presence in the nation’s lower house, and also a platform to consolidate their position in the political debate. Even if the party doesn’t win the by-election, One Nation will have opportunities to learn and hone its approach in the leadup to the next general election due in 2028.”
Dr Benjamin Moffitt, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Monash School of Social Sciences
Contact: +61 477 204 086 or [email protected]
Comments attributable to Dr Moffitt:
“The Farrer by-election offers a glimpse of a potential future for Australian elections: one where the major parties are seen as has-beens, and the match-up is really between One Nation and community independents.
“In this case, the conditions are as good as they might get for One Nation. It’s a by-election, which voters often use to send a clear message. One Nation’s rise in the polls has been sustained and media coverage has followed. The demographics of the seat suit them. And with Labor sitting the by-election out, the brunt of anger at the major parties may likely be targeted towards the Coalition parties – One Nation’s true competition.
“If One Nation can’t win this seat, in these circumstances, you would have to question if their rise can really continue. If they do win, however – then it’s time for the Coalition to start panicking.”
For more experts, news, opinion and analysis, visit Monash News.
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]