• Charles Sturt to host debate of Farrer by-election candidates on Thursday 30 April

Charles Sturt University will host the final debate of the 2026 Farrer federal by-election, inviting declared candidates for the campaign’s only public forum covering all major issues affecting the electorate. 

The free debate will be held on Thursday 30 April, with doors opening at 5.30pm for a 6pm start, at the CD Blake Lecture Theatre on the University’s Albury‑Wodonga campus. 

The debate will be moderated by distinguished Australian journalist Mr Barrie Cassidy, whose decades‑long reporting and broadcasting career includes serving as ABC’s chief political correspondent and host of Insiders for 18 years. Mr Cassidy has covered 13 federal elections.  

Mr Cassidy brings unmatched political insight as well as deep personal familiarity with the region, having grown up in the Farrer electorate, ensuring an impartial, informed and community‑grounded moderation of the discussion.  

The debate could address key local, national and international issues shaping the campaign, including: 

• Water security and Murray–Darling Basin management 

• Healthcare access  

• Agricultural sustainability and farm workforce pressures 

• Cross‑border economic development 

• Cost‑of‑living impacts 

• Infrastructure investment and transport links 

• Environmental resilience and climate impacts on primary industries 

• Local skills, education, and regional workforce pathways 

• Fuel shortages and other impacts of international conflicts 

Charles Sturt University Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the University was proud to facilitate such an important civic forum. 

“As a regional university deeply connected to the communities we serve, Charles Sturt is committed to providing a balanced and accessible platform that helps citizens better understand the candidates and the issues shaping Farrer’s future,” Professor Leon said. 

“Bringing the community together for open democratic discussion is part of our role as a trusted regional institution.” 

Candidates confirmed to participate in the debate include: 

• Michelle Milthorpe (Independent) 

• David Farley (One Nation) 

• Brad Robertson (The Nationals) 

• Rebecca Scriven (Family First)  

Other candidates that have been invited include:  

• Raissa Butkowski (Liberal Party) 

• Richard Hendrie (The Greens) 

Members of the public can  register to attend via the Humanitix website.