Former NSW National Sam Farraway is set to challenge Independent MP Andrew Gee for Calare in 2025 Federal Election.
With the conclusion of local government elections, the focus now shifts to the upcoming federal election. In a major announcement, Sam Farraway, a current Nationals Member of the NSW Parliament, has confirmed he will be stepping down to challenge Andrew Gee, the incumbent Independent MP for Calare and former Nationals member, at the 2025 federal election.
In his statement, Mr. Farraway explained his decision to step down, noting the need to dedicate himself fully to the campaign.
"I have decided to step down from NSW Parliament to give my full attention to representing the people of Calare as your Nationals candidate," said Mr. Farraway.
"I will deliver my valedictory speech in the November sitting before formally resigning from the Parliament."
Reflecting on his tenure in the NSW Parliament, Mr. Farraway expressed pride in his contributions to regional communities.
"It has been an incredible honour to serve in the NSW Parliament, where I’ve held various roles, including Deputy Government Whip, Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Minister and Shadow Minister," he said.
"Now, I believe the best way to deliver for our community is to represent them as their Federal MP."
Mr. Farraway highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Betterment Fund, which he helped establish, as essential to building resilient regional infrastructure.
"One of my proudest achievements has been getting the Betterment Fund up and running—a program that provides essential funding to rebuild regional transport and road infrastructure stronger after natural disasters," he said.
"These are initiatives that matter. They are about more than politics; they are about real people and real change for the communities I’ve always been passionate about representing."
He concluded by thanking his colleagues and supporters, acknowledging the support of his family, and emphasizing his commitment to serving the Central West community.
"To my colleagues and friends, both in and out of Parliament, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your friendship, encouragement and belief in me has helped me through some of the toughest moments and made the wins even sweeter," Mr. Farraway said.
"And lastly, to my family—my mum, sister, and brothers—you’ll never know how much your love and support has meant to me. I owe everything to you, and I know you’ll be there with me in this next journey."
Farraway, who was widely criticised for maintaining roles at State level while campaigning nationally at Blayney recently, says his focus is now solely on winning Calare.
In response to Mr. Farraway's announcement, Andrew Gee, Independent MP for Calare, called for an immediate resignation, citing concerns over Mr. Farraway's continued position in the NSW Parliament while campaigning for a federal seat.
"National Party Upper House parliamentarian Sam Farraway should resign from his New South Wales Parliamentary position immediately," Mr. Gee said. He argued that Mr. Farraway's continued service in the NSW Parliament while campaigning for a federal seat "amounts to a major political party gaming the system."
Mr. Gee highlighted the financial implications of Mr. Farraway's decision, emphasising that "By delaying his resignation until the end of November he gets paid almost another $34,000 and the money train keeps delivering him another $4,654 each and every week until he finally goes."
The upcoming federal election for Calare is anticipated to be a competitive contest, as Mr. Farraway and Mr. Gee vie for the support of their shared constituents in this critical Central West electorate.