Family First Highlights Candidate Concerns
Family First National Director Lyle Shelton announced on 14th April that the party will recommend voters place the Nationals candidate, Brad Robertson, second on its how-to-vote cards for the Farrer by-election. This decision comes as the Nationals, under new leader Matt Canavan, focus on policies prioritizing families, industry, and national self-reliance. According to Shelton, Canavan’s pro-life position distinguishes him from other party leaders in Farrer, aligning with Family First’s core values.
One Nation will not receive the second preference from Family First due to concerns about their candidate’s standards and judgment. Shelton emphasised, “Family First has made clear that character matters in public life. Recent revelations about One Nation’s candidate have raised concerns that go to our core values regarding respect for women.”
Family First’s Preference Strategy
Family First will place its candidate, Rebecca Scriven, at the top of their how-to-vote cards, followed by Brad Robertson from the Nationals. The third spot goes to One Nation’s David Farley, and candidates from the Gerard Rennick People First Party and Shooters Farmers and Fishers are included further down the list. The preference order also features candidates from the Liberals, Independents, and other smaller parties like the Affordable Housing, Sustainable Australia and Legalise Cannabis Party.
Shelton reiterated that voters have full control over their preferences. He stated, “In Australia’s preferential voting system, voters determine where their preferences go, not political parties.” This ensures that every voter can number their ballot according to their personal convictions.
The Farrer by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley, is expected to be closely contested with multiple parties and an independent candidate backed by Climate 200. Family First’s campaign, led by Scriven, aims to focus on lowering living costs, supporting families, and restoring common sense to public policy. Shelton remarked, “Families are under pressure like never before. That’s why Family First is standing, to put families first.”
