Australian byelections are traditionally marked by resentment, even anger, directed at the government in power. But Eden- Monaro is different. It is not just Australia’s classic bellwether seat, but fear and anxiety, not resentment and anger, are pervasive.

One of Australia’s original 65 Federation electorates, Eden-Monaro is the size of Switzerland, includes the dazzling Sapphire Coast of NSW, and is the birthplace of Banjo Patterson’s The Man from Snowy River. But it has hit hard times.