One Nation MP David Farley faces party tension over migration policy

Speculation is mounting regarding whether David Farley, the One Nation MP for Farrer, will leave the party to serve as an independent. The tension stems from public disagreements over the party’s immigration platform.

Mr. Farley has argued that One Nation’s pledge to limit net overseas migration to 130,000 does not account for an additional 100,000 temporary workers, such as those on Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) visas. He suggested this brings the actual total closer to 230,000, a figure similar to the Labor government’s targets. This stance prompted a rebuke from party leader Pauline Hanson, who sought to clarify that the 130,000 figure is the intended limit.

While Barnaby Joyce has denied rumors that Mr. Farley is on the verge of quitting, former campaign advisor George Christensen suggested that the possibility of the MP going his own way has been a concern since his election. Mr. Farley’s victory in the May by-election was a historic upset for the Coalition in a seat held since 1949.