David Farley (Forum Clip):
"Do we really have political parties anymore — or just clubs? Clubs that should be representing regional Australia, but aren’t."
A powerful reminder of why change is needed — and why Independent voices like James Gooden’s are stepping forward.
Courage, Conviction, and the Murray-Darling – A Conversation with David
In this clip, James and David talk about the damage done to the Murray-Darling Basin system, particularly the Coorong and estuary lakes, by years of misguided government interference.
Instead of working with natural systems, policy decisions have ignored reality — and it’s communities, farmers, and the environment that are paying the price.
They also reflect on how candidates need courage and conviction to challenge the dominant narrative — especially when that narrative is wrong.
With boundary changes and growing frustration across the electorate, now is the time for real independent leadership. The incumbent may not be as safe as the parties think.
Looking Beyond the Narratives – A Conversation with David
In this video, James and David talk about the real-world impacts of large-scale solar factories — from water runoff damaging surrounding land, to long-term concerns about decommissioning and the lack of proper land rehabilitation plans.
They also discuss nuclear energy — and why much of the debate is based on fear, not fact. The truth? The actual volume of nuclear waste from modern reactors is far smaller than many people think, and other countries are safely managing it.
It’s time we had an honest conversation about energy — not just the shiny slogans.
Why Is Democracy Failing on Water? – A Conversation with David
In this video, David shares why he believes democracy is failing in Australia — and how the story of Lake Coolac shows just how disconnected party politics has become.
Every shire in the Murray-Darling Basin voted unanimously in 2023 to explore a feasibility study for Lake Coolac. It was taken to the Riverina and Murray Joint Group, supported again by multiple shires.
But when it reached the political parties? Ignored.
Why? Because they don’t want water to be part of a confusing debate this election.
What does this mean for local democracy, for water security, and is party politics failing to represent what communities actually want?
It’s time to bring these decisions back to the people — not leave them in the hands of parties who’d rather avoid the hard conversations.
Grassroots Action, Real Representation – A Conversation with David
What can an Independent really do?
James has already proven that you don’t need party backing to stand up for your community. Without even being a Member of Parliament, he helped defeat a multi-national renewable company that wanted to push through a project locals didn’t want — and common sense prevailed.
If that can be done at the grassroots, imagine what can be achieved with a voice in Parliament.
In this clip, James and David talk about independent representation — why it matters, why people are disconnecting from career politicians, and why there’s a growing groundswell of support for candidates who actually listen.
James speaks to the real issues:
Reliable baseload energy
Food security
Water security
Interest rates
Planning & transportation
A health system that works for the regions
It’s not about party lines — it’s about getting things done.
Conviction Over Party Lines – A Conversation with David
In politics today, too many decisions are made to protect party interests, not serve the people.
In this clip, James and David talk about what it means to be a conviction politician — someone who’s willing to stand up for what’s right, not just what’s popular in the party room.
It’s about listening to the community, not taking orders from party bosses. It’s about being free to make the hard calls and to speak for the Riverina, not for city-based politics.
It’s time for a different kind of politics.
Facing Reality, Not Fantasy — A Conversation with David
James recently sat down with David to talk about the real challenges we face — not just here in the Riverina, but across Australia.
From the broken promises of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and endless water buybacks, to the shocking truth about our fuel security, with only 8–9 days of reserves, not the 90 days we’re supposed to have under international agreements.
David calls out the inequities and speaks about why we need leaders with the political courage to face facts, not fantasy.
James is standing up — not just to talk, but to act. For water, for energy, and real change.