Liverpool Plains Toff All For Conservative Politics But Being Represented By One Nation Is A Bit Bogan

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A prominent farming family on the Liverpool Plains has told The Advocate that while they have always voted for conservative parties, the news that their electorate will now be represented by One Nation for the remainder of the term has caused what they describe as "an unfortunate shift in tone."

The development occurred today as the sitting member for New England announced his resignation from the National Party and defected to One Nation, leaving one of the country's most productive dryland farming regions with a political label many locals say does not match their identity.

Speaking from his property outside Premer, local grazier Bill Harabian said the district was comfortable with traditional conservative politics because it aligned with the region's orderly approach to life and business. Harabian said the arrival of One Nation representation felt different.

"We are not progressive," he said.

"We are conservative people. Well, I have a solar pump on a bore and the boys don't let me forget it. They called me Bob Brown for months after I had it installed. But being represented by One Nation feels a bit, you know, bogan for this part of the world. It gives the impression that we are louder and angrier than we actually are."

Other growers across Spring Ridge, Breeza and Mullaley expressed similar sentiments, arguing that One Nation's public style did not reflect the quiet, professional character of large-scale black soil farming.

"We voted for stability," another farmer said.

"For all the noise about Barnaby, he actually showed up for the New England. But now it looks like we have been lumped in with a completely different crowd."

More to come.