One Nation general manager Kelvin Morton referred to candidate David Farley as an “asshole” in leaked text messages just days before Farley secured a historic byelection win in Farrer in May, exposing deep internal friction within the party as it attempts to professionalize its candidate selection processes.
The text messages, seen by Guardian Australia, show Morton responding to a Sydney Morning Herald report regarding infighting among senior party figures over Farley’s previously undeclared support for the Labor party. “Shit stirring,” Morton wrote in the exchange. “We need to do way better with our candidate selection – we need to stop finding these assholes … or letting them find us.” He added that the contest might firmly attach Farley to the party, noting that jumping ship later would make him look like an “untrustworthy snake” who would be “ruined forever.”
Internal Friction and Party Responses
A One Nation party spokesperson defended the MP following the leak, stating that Farley was “a dedicated One Nation MP” and that “the comments made do not reflect the view of the party.” The spokesperson added, “The only untrustworthy snake is the person who leaked the text messages.” Tensions between Farley and other One Nation MPs and staff have reportedly remained high since his election, with the party publicly criticizing him after he claimed One Nation’s migration policy was not dissimilar to the Labor government’s.
Morton was appointed as general manager in February, with the national executive tasking him to build a professional, scalable organization capable of outright victory at the next general election. However, despite being brought in to overhaul vetting processes, Morton has clashed with staff at the Brisbane headquarters and officials at active local branches since stepping into the role.
Did You Know? Kelvin Morton claims on his LinkedIn profile to be a “strategic business transformation leader” with vast experience working with some of the world’s biggest companies.
Branch Interventions and Fundraising Disputes
Documents reviewed by Guardian Australia show that Morton recently wrote to the Lilley branch in Brisbane advising of federal intervention, which included removing the entire committee of volunteers. The intervention followed a dispute over access to promotional materials and a local fundraiser that raised $12,000 for the party. The initial conflict arose after Morton and Lilley branch coordinator Mark McGuire clashed over access to promotional materials for an event, prompting Morton to suspend McGuire’s membership.
Morton stated that McGuire’s membership would remain suspended until a formal written apology was received, accusing him of removing promotional materials from head office and clashing with a staff member. McGuire countered that he had only accessed policy flyers for an event run by the Brisbane branch. In response to McGuire’s treatment, other volunteer branch members and president Deb Dalton informed head office that the branch committee would cease volunteering in protest. Morton subsequently stated that he accepted the board’s “resignation,” despite members only indicating they would stop volunteering.
In his letter regarding federal intervention, Morton wrote that the branch’s functioning and compliance were in question, placing all local decisions under the direct review and management of the Federal Executive. Morton also accused the branch of failing to hand over $12,000 raised at a fundraising dinner last year, demanding the money be transferred to central control. He reminded the branch president that independent bank accounts are strictly prohibited and that ongoing membership is contingent on returning all party property, financial records, and the raised funds.
McGuire rejected the accusations, telling Guardian Australia that volunteers were treated with disrespect and procedural unfairness, and asserting that the $12,000 had already been paid automatically to central office through ticket sales. A One Nation spokesperson stated that the party does not comment on internal disciplinary actions, adding that branch donations are managed through a microsite that tags and quarantines funds for localized campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kelvin Morton?
Kelvin Morton is One Nation’s general manager, appointed in February to build a professional and legally robust organization and improve candidate vetting processes. He was recently appointed to the party’s national executive, replacing former treasurer Alex Jones.
What did the leaked text messages say about David Farley?
In text messages sent days before the May Farrer byelection, Morton referred to Farley as an “asshole,” criticized the party’s candidate selection process, and warned that Farley would look like an “untrustworthy snake” if he abandoned the party after the election.
Why did the party intervene in the Lilley branch?
The Federal Executive intervened in the Brisbane-based Lilley branch following a dispute over promotional materials, a suspended coordinator, volunteer protests, and questions surrounding $12,000 in funds raised at a branch dinner.
How are local party volunteers responding to these centralized administrative decisions?
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