Hosted by Charles Sturt University and expertly moderated by Barrie Cassidy, the event brings together voices from across the political spectrum to discuss the issues that matter most to the Farrer electorate. Hear directly from each candidate, compare their priorities and policies, and gain the clarity you need to feel informed and confident when it’s time to cast your vote.
Event details: 30 April 2026, 6.00pm
Meet the candidates and discover their key priorities and what motivates them to serve their community
Raissa Butkowski, Liberal Party
Raissa Butkowski is the Liberal candidate for Farrer.
She brings energy, a wide range of experience and a passion for serving the community.
Raissa was born and bred in the Albury region. She comes from a farming family.
As a community lawyer, Raissa has helped fight for families navigating hardship and farmers dealing with uncertainty.
As an Albury City Councillor, Raissa brings experience in making decisions around infrastructure and budgets.
As a Board Member of the Murray Darling Association, Raissa advocates for water security, which is so vital to this region.
Previously, she’s also been a lab technician at a pathology service and a tennis coach.
Raissa has three degrees – in law, biomedical science and nutrition. She is studying for a Master of Business Administration.
She also has a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Resolution.
Raissa will fight for families struggling with the cost of living, small businesses facing rising costs, and farmers facing uncertainty.
She will work to improve local health services and infrastructure.
Richard is the Greens candidate for Farrer, bringing a rare combination of academic expertise and lived experience in health advocacy. A graduate in law, arts, forensic psychology, and social work, and currently studying a master’s in health economics, Richard has spent years working alongside individuals, families and communities navigating some of life’s most complex challenges. He is a senior consumer leader in health and suicide prevention, a state mental health champion, and was honoured as Albury Citizen of the Year in 2025 for his contribution to community wellbeing and education.
Richard’s work has focused on bridging the gap between policy and lived experience. As a long-standing advocate, he understands that people in communities like Farrer face structural disadvantage, particularly in access to healthcare, housing, and essential services. His approach is grounded in practical reform, community engagement, and accountability and transparency in decision-making.
His key priorities reflect the issues he hears directly from the community. First, improving access to healthcare, including investment in regional hospitals, mental health services, and workforce retention, alongside better integration between Commonwealth and state systems. Second, tackling the housing crisis by addressing tax settings that favour investors over first home buyers, and expanding public and affordable housing in regional areas. Third, responding to climate change with a focus on regional resilience, supporting farmers and communities while restoring the Murray–Darling Basin through evidence-based water policy, including targeted buybacks and investment in sustainable agriculture.
Richard also advocates for cost-of-living relief tailored to regional realities, recognising the impact of transport, energy, and service access on household budgets. He supports stronger public services, transparent governance, and genuine community consultation, particularly in major health and infrastructure decisions affecting the region.
Gary Pappin, Independent
All Farrer candidates were invited to the debate however only those who accepted are listed. View the full list of candidates.
As a regional university deeply connected to the communities we serve, Charles Sturt provides a balanced and accessible platform to help citizens better understand the candidates and issues shaping Farrer’s future. This content is presented for information only and does not imply endorsement of any candidate or political party.
