Newest One Nation MP owns up to voting the wrong way
One Nation’s newest politician blamed parliament’s inexperience for voting against his party’s line.
David Farley, who is in his second week of sitting in Parliament, voted with the Teals and Greens on Tuesday to impose limits on the fuel tax credit scheme for the most profitable mining companies.
Labor and the coalition opposed the amendment, which was defeated.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Mr Farley said he realized he had made a mistake due to his “inexperience in parliament” and tried to change his vote but was unable to do so.
“I reiterate that I fully support all positions and policies of One Nation. Otherwise, I would not be a member of the party,” he said.
“There is no difference of policy or position between me and One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson, who has my full support. I am privileged to have her support as well.”
Mr Farley was elected MP for Farrer in a by-election in May following the resignation of former Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley.
He also blamed the voting error on the Labor government’s “refusal” to provide One Nation funding for more consultants and said the team was “significantly overworked”.
“It has been difficult to recruit experienced staff to support my business, but I am improving the situation,” he said.
While the allocation of staff is at the discretion of the prime minister, this is often based on well-established contracts detailing the level of funding given to each party.
When Mr. Farley was asked Tuesday if he voted with the turquoises because he was caught up in the pace of the process, he said “no.”
But his error sparked a backlash from industry groups including the Minerals Council.
Chief executive Tania Constable said she voted against the majority of her constituents.
“He voted against farmers, he voted against fishermen, he voted against the construction industry. He voted against miners. He voted against regional Australia and we are really deeply disappointed that he joined the Greens and the turquoises,” he told Sky News.
