There is a reason why the Member for Farrer is not raising funds in her electorate, (Weekend Australian, January 16).
Ms Ley has failed to effectively represent or engage her constituency, especially on the vital local issue of water reform.
More than 100,000 eligible voters in Farrer, and we read not one cent raised — why?
The greatest asset in any electorate is the attention of your people. Is it the inability to influence the rest of the Liberal team as well?
As a past president of a local Liberal Party branch, I — along with others — worked hard to get Ms Ley to understand the importance of prioritising her constituents over toeing the party line, but to no avail.
Others in executive positions have done likewise, with the same result.
Consequently, a local campaign at the 2019 election raised a massive $250,000 for a local candidate who was committed to putting our region first.
While unsuccessful, it was able to cut the Liberal Member for Farrer's margin in half and I believe after the continual failings in this term of parliament there will be an even greater appetite for change at the expected 2021 poll.
Our electorate is waking up to the fact that we cannot move forward when half are held back.
The sad thing is, there is a simple solution to the problem.
If Ms Ley and her Coalition colleagues found effective solutions — which exist — to fix the mess the government has created with water reform, her standing in our communities would sky-rocket, and along with it her fundraising potential.
Her 18-year tenure would be immortalised and restore electoral faith in being heard, respected and truly represented.
Instead, if we continue down the present path, we will raise another $250,000 (or more) and have an even stronger campaign to bring about change.
Vicki Meyer
Deniliquin
