News

Quiz the candidates

By Zoe McMaugh

Mar 30, 2026

Sussan Ley’s resignation from politics has provided a chance to re-shape the future of Farrer.

The Farrer by-election is offering a rare opportunity to re-shape this region’s future, and plans are afoot to ensure you’re armed with information you need to make the most of it.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Deniliquin Pastoral Times and Southern Riverina News have partnered with the NSW Farmers Association to deliver a candidate forum next month.

The event will be held in Deniliquin on April 21, and will be supported by Edward River Council.

It is likely to be one of few such forums outside key voting areas like Albury and Griffith.

The eight known candidates for Farrer to date have all been invited by the NSW Farmers to attend.

Others will be invited as they come to light before nominations close on April 13.

NSW Farmers executive committee member and Deniliquin branch president Amanda Barlow said as the Farrer result will be a “barometer for New South Wales, and the nation”.

“This is an opportunity to see where the candidates stand on important issues that will shape New South Wales and Australia generally, and important on issues like water and the current fuel crisis,” Mrs Barlow said.

“What a lot of people don’t realise is that is the agriculture sector is displaced by a lack of water and fuel, this leads to a dire situation nationally in terms of food and fibre security.

“When it comes to water, we (NSW Farmers) are tired of buybacks and the focus on environment.

“With a pending Basin Plan review, this is a good opportunity for candidates to share their thoughts with us on this moving forward.”

Questions put to the candidates will be guided by submissions received from voters.

Readers are encouraged to RSVP, submit their questions and attend on April 21.

The by-election was triggered when, after being overthrown as Federal Opposition Leader in early February, long-time Member for Farrer Sussan Ley announced she would retire from politics.

Her official resignation in the weeks that followed saw an election set down for May 9.

Due to Ms Ley’s resignation, the seat is open to a The Nationals candidate for the first time since Ms Ley’s election in 2001.

A Coalition agreement has prevented the party from running against their Coalition counterpart while she was incumbent.

• Questions for candidates can be submitted to content@denipt.com.au. Please include Farrer Candidate Forum in your subject heading, and provide your name and contact details when submitting. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel, and may be merged with similar questions to ensure several topics can be covered at the forum.