In the lead-up to the Farrer by-election on Saturday, May 9, The Riv is featuring profiles of some of the candidates in the running.

Candidates have been asked why they’re running, what some of the issues faced by the electorate are, and what they’ll advocate for if elected.

Gerard Rennick’s People First Party candidate Jamie Bonnefin is one of 12 contesting the seat of Farrer in next month’s by-election.

Raised in Wilcannia, once part of the Farrer electorate, he spent much of his life in regional NSW before leaving to study architecture at the University of Newcastle.

Mr Bonnefin brings a background in architecture and business and has served on the NSW board of advisers to the Australian Red Cross.

He is motivated by a desire to make a difference in the community and use his skills to serve others.

He entered the race with a focus on securing a stronger future for young people and keeping government accountable.

“I want to ensure the children of Farrer have the same quality of life and opportunities that our ancestors gave to us,” he said.

“I also want to make sure that the government serves the people, rather than control them.”

Mr Bonnefin believes cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, water security and infrastructure are key issues facing Farrer.

To help ease financial pressures, he is advocating for tax reform and greater support for small businesses.

Increased investment in major infrastructure and stronger protections for water and agricultural assets are also priorities, with Mr Bonnefin arguing they are critical to the region’s long-term prosperity.

Mr Bonnefin is also supportive of a proposed private community hospital in Moama.

“As an architect, I am pro-build. I would be in favour of a new private hospital,” he said.

“Like the new Albury hospital proposal, I understand that to keep great communities and build better towns, we need to have first-class health facilities, especially to keep our children and their young families in our communities.”

Since his campaign began, Mr Bonnefin has travelled more than 3500 kilometres across the electorate.

If elected, he intends to maintain a strong presence on the ground.

“Farrer is unique in that it requires representatives to spend less time in Canberra and more time listening and travelling in Farrer,” he said.

“I would also ensure that constituents know how to access me via phone and email and that I am responsive to their concerns.”

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Thursday, 15th October 2026

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