Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said candidate Brad Robertson provides Farrer families with the best possible option for ‘change’ at this Saturday’s by-election.

“Voters on the ground are telling me they want change and that’s exactly what The Nationals are offering,” Senator Canavan said.

“We are the Party of change because we are offering what the voters of Farrer tell us what they need. If people want change, the only choice at this by-election is The Nationals.

“This is because the Teal candidate Michelle Milthorpe doesn’t offer change – the Teals are already part of the Labor government and would vote accordingly, including their reckless race to renewables, which is costing Farrer families.

“The Wodonga side of the border has had an Independent candidate for 13 years, so electing another one on the northern side won’t change anything.

“Unfortunately, we now know One Nation’s candidate David Farley wanted to run for Labor, but didn’t pass early vetting. Even his own Party colleagues have deemed him a flight risk and voters can’t be sure he won’t run back to Labor.

“Flight risk Farley will simply support Labor and Labor policies, such as supporting Labor’s out-of-control immigration intake, as we have already witnessed.

“The Nationals provide the one true option of ‘change’. We will improve the healthcare system here, pledging a greenfield site for Albury/Wodonga, we will give back water to the community and develop our own energy resources, while saying ‘no’ to net zero.

“In contrast, Teal-backed candidate Ms Milthorpe keeps contradicting herself, stating in this campaign that we are doing net zero ‘too quickly’ and need to get the balance right, despite calling for net zero on her own website.

“Ms Milthorpe admitted at a candidates’ forum last night that she is funded by Climate 200 ‘in parts’, but then also told another forum ‘right now, we still need gas and coal for grid stability’.

“If her website says ‘no new fossil fuel projects’, how can Ms Milthorpe support oil refineries?

“Energy and the cost of it is one of the most important issues at this upcoming election and voters deserve transparency. It is clear Ms Milthorpe isn’t being transparent with the voters of Farrer.

“The community deserves someone who will actually get in the ring and fight for them, not just say and do whatever they think will buy them a vote to get into Parliament. If they can’t stand up for the community here, they won’t be able to stand up for the community in Canberra.

“With The Nationals’ candidate Brad Robertson, what you see is what you get – a man of integrity who will actually stand up for the community and fight against this terrible Labor government and its economy-destroying policies.”

Mr Robertson said after serving as a Colonel in the Australian Army for 29 years, he has long fought to defend the Australian way of life.

“I am hearing from locals on the ground and at pre-poll that costs are skyrocketing for families, but the current Labor Government is making things worse, not better,” Mr Robertson said.

“My priorities for Farrer will be ensuring that my community has high-quality and reliable health services and better regional infrastructure to support jobs and growth.

“I will fight for water security and a cheaper, better, fairer energy plan, which means ‘no’ to net zero and putting all energy options on the table.”