Family First National Director Lyle Shelton has today announced the party will recommend voters place the Nationals candidate Brad Robertson second on its how-to-vote cards for the upcoming Farrer by-election.
"Family First believes the Nationals under new leader Matt Canavan are starting to articulate a vision for Australia that puts families, industry and national self-reliance back at the centre of public policy. Senator Canavan is also pro-life, which is unique amongst the leaders of the three big parties contesting Farrer."
Mr Shelton said the decision not to allocate the number two preference to One Nation followed serious concerns about candidate standards and judgement.
"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," Mr Shelton said.
"While we agree with One Nation on many policy areas, we will not turn a blind eye when standards affecting family policy fall short, regardless of the party."
Mr Shelton said Family First would recommend the following preference order on its how-to-vote cards:
- Family First – SCRIVEN, Rebecca
- Nationals – ROBERTSON, Brad
- One Nation – FARLEY, David
- Gerard Rennick People First Party – BONNEFIN, Jamie
- Shooters Farmers and Fishers – SINCLAIR, Peter
- Liberals – BUTKOWSI, Raissa
- Independent – WOODWARD, Roger
- Independent – PAPPIN, Gary Jean
- Affordable Housing, Sustainable Australia – ELLIS, Lucas James
- Legalise Cannabis Party – PEARSON, Aimee Lee
- Independent – MILTHORPE, Michelle
- Greens – HENDRIE, Richard August
The Farrer by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley, is shaping as a closely contested race between multiple parties and an "independent" candidate backed by Climate 200.
Mr Shelton stressed that voters remain in full control of their preferences.
"In Australia's preferential voting system, voters determine where their preferences go — not political parties," he said.
"Family First, like most parties, simply provides a recommendation. Every voter is in control of their preferences and is free to number their ballot according to their own convictions."
Mr Shelton said Family First's campaign in Farrer led by Rebecca Scriven would continue to focus on lowering the cost of living, supporting families and restoring common sense to public policy.
"Families are under pressure like never before," he said.
"That's why Family First is standing — to put families first."
