‘A Tough Ask’: Coalition Braces For By-election Defeat

The Farrer contest is looming as a showdown between One Nation’s David Farley and independent Michelle Milthorpe.

A One Nation sign depicts alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith outside a polling booth ahead of the Farrer by-election in Albury, NSW in Australia on May 8, 2026. Jesse Thompson/Getty Images

Coalition parties have conceded holding onto the seat of Farrer will be a tall order ahead of the crucial by-election.