David Farley, the One Nation candidate for the Farrer byelection, has come under fire for likening former Prime Minister Julia Gillard to a “non-productive old cow.” Farley, an agriculture businessman from Narrandera, made the remark during media interviews shortly after being confirmed as his party’s candidate on Saturday.
While Farley suggested the comment was tongue-in-cheek, critics called it offensive and disrespectful.
Pauline Hanson Fully Backs Her Candidate
Despite the backlash, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended Farley, urging the public to “get over it.” She emphasized her party’s support for him as the candidate in the upcoming 9 May byelection for Farrer, the seat formerly held by Sussan Ley for 25 years.
Hanson described Farley as a strong candidate with deep roots in the agricultural community, highlighting his experience as an irrigator and his family connections.
Farrer Byelection: A High-Stakes Contest
The Farrer byelection represents a critical first test for One Nation’s growing support across regional Australia. It also serves as a measure of the Liberal Party under Angus Taylor, as Ley’s departure from parliament last month triggered the contest.
At 69, Farley is a father of three daughters and grandfather to seven grandchildren. His campaign is expected to focus on rural issues, agriculture, and local infrastructure, though his controversial comments about Gillard have drawn national attention.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
Critics argue that Farley’s remarks risk alienating female voters and reinforcing negative stereotypes about women in politics. Social media and political commentators have widely debated the appropriateness of the statement, with some questioning whether One Nation’s messaging may be overshadowed by controversy.
Supporters of Farley and the party have defended the comment as a humorous aside, but the debate underscores the heightened scrutiny facing candidates in high-profile byelections.
What to Watch in the Farrer Byelection
- How Farley’s comments affect voter sentiment in a traditionally conservative seat.
- Whether One Nation’s support grows or is limited by public backlash.
- How the Liberal Party under Angus Taylor responds and mobilizes its base.
The 9 May contest will be closely watched as a bellwether for broader trends in Australian politics, particularly in rural and regional electorates.
David Farley’s comparison of Julia Gillard to a “non-productive old cow” has thrust the Farrer byelection into the national spotlight. While Pauline Hanson has fully backed her candidate, the remarks have sparked debate over tone, gender, and political decorum. As the election approaches, the focus will be on how voters respond to Farley’s campaign and whether controversy will shape the outcome.
