Murray River councillor Gary Pappin has entered the race for Farrer, taking his local government experience to the federal stage.
Born in Balranald, Mr Pappin has lived and worked across the electorate, including in Gol Gol, Buronga and on pastoral properties, and has also spent time in Canberra after marrying his wife.
Mr Pappin said he had always intended to contest the seat of Farrer at the next federal election.
“I was always intending to contest the election in Farrer; Sussan Ley resigning simply brought forward my plans,” he said.
“I believe there is a lack of representation and presence for country folk in federal parliament. The people in Farrer have been forgotten, and I intend to give a fair go for everyone.”
Since launching his campaign, he has travelled through smaller communities, where he says many residents have rarely seen a politician.
If elected, Mr Pappin said he would continue to meet with constituents to hear their issues and concerns.
During his rounds across Farrer, he noted that the concerns raised varied widely across the electorate.
In Albury, residents pointed to hospital planning issues and the need for reforms to prevent political financial interference.
In Griffith, access to health care, water security and foreign ownership were key concerns.
Across the southern Riverina, cross-border challenges were raised, particularly differences in education standards between NSW and Victoria, and workforce shortages in horticulture and manufacturing.
Further west, water security remained a major issue, alongside what Mr Pappin described as a “genuine alarm” about the potential for nuclear power development in the region.
Closer to home, he backed a proposal for a specialist hospital in Moama, which was put forward to Murray River Council.
Running as an independent, Mr Pappin said he would focus on holding major parties to account.
“I am a genuine country boy raised in the bush, but I am also well educated, and I can talk the talk when it matters,” he said.
“Independents hold major parties to account, and I intend to scrutinise everything. I may look different, but I’ll get the job done.”
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