David Farley (businessman)

David Farley (born c. 1957) is an Australian agricultural businessman and politician. He is currently the One Nation candidate for the 2026 Farrer by-election. Farley previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) and is a prominent advocate for water rights in the Riverina region.

Business career

Farley served as the CEO of the Australian Agricultural Company from 2009 to 2013, during which time he oversaw one of the world's largest cattle enterprises. Following his tenure at AACo, he founded Matrix Commodities, an agricultural trading and investment firm based in Narrandera.

In recent years, Farley has become a vocal advocate for irrigation and water management. He is the current chair of "Speak Up 4 Water", a lobby group focused on water security and the impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on regional communities.

2026 Farrer by-election

Following the resignation of Sussan Ley in February 2026, Farley contested the One Nation preselection for the Division of Farrer. On 7 March 2026, he was announced as the party's candidate after winning a three-way ballot held in Albury.

Controversies

In 2012, while CEO of AACo, Farley faced criticism for comments likening then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard to a "non-productive old cow" during a discussion about an abattoir designed for ageing cattle. Farley later stated the comments were "tongue-in-cheek" and taken out of context.