In the heated campaign for the Farrer by-election, Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski has publicly defended former party leader Sussan Ley’s absence from recent campaign events. The development comes as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor joined Butkowski in Albury on Monday, attempting to rally support in what was once considered a safe Liberal seat.
The political landscape in Farrer has shifted dramatically, with polling indicating a potential showdown between One Nation and independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe in primary votes. This transformation has positioned preference allocations as potentially decisive in determining the outcome.
When questioned about Ley’s non-appearance, Butkowski revealed she had extended an invitation to the former leader but understood her need for respite. ‘I reached out to Sussan,’ Butkowski stated, ‘but I also think that she deserves a well-earned break. Ultimately, this is a by-election to choose a new representative.’
The candidate emphasized her commitment to earning voter trust across the electorate while dismissing significance from Ley’s lack of response. Butkowski expressed strong support for the new Liberal leadership, noting that both Taylor and Deputy Leader Jane Hume had engaged with her campaign immediately following her preselection.
Taylor himself praised Ley as a ‘great servant of the Liberal Party and Australia’ while enthusiastically endorsing Butkowski’s qualifications, humorously noting she possesses ‘more degrees than a thermometer.’
The Opposition Leader addressed the challenge of restoring confidence in the Liberal Party, citing declining living standards under Labor governance. However, Taylor strategically avoided committing to preference arrangements, maintaining the party would compete vigorously for first-preference votes while evaluating preference strategies.