Seven of the 12 candidates attended, including the four principal contenders.
This is not to diminish the contribution of the remaining candidates; however, as is often the case in elections, mathematics ultimately determines the outcome.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the RSL Club, the NSW Farmers’ Federation, and the Pastoral Times/Southern Riverina News for hosting and coordinating the event.
It was managed and presented to an exemplary standard.
The questions submitted were thoughtful, probing, and directly relevant to the issues facing our region.
Importantly, the candidates remained on topic and delivered clear, concise responses.
Just as significantly, the audience engaged respectfully with all candidates, regardless of differing views and policies.
It was an outstanding example of the democratic process functioning at its very best.
Our community should be justifiably proud of how it presented itself - not only to the electorate of Farrer, but to the nation more broadly.
It was a standard of public discourse not often seen in modern politics.
But why does it matter?
For several reasons, this forum represents one of the most transparent and genuine opportunities to assess the candidates.
While some may enter the contest knowing they are unlikely to be elected, it nonetheless provides an important platform to present their ideas and aspirations for the future.
On the night, every candidate contributed in a manner that was both constructive and thoughtful.
The discussion was not only robust, but also forward-looking - focused on solutions rather than division.
If even a portion of the ideas put forward were taken to Canberra and genuinely considered, the electorate of Farrer would be in a far stronger position.
There were two questions in particular that highlighted the importance of the evening.
1. What specific change to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (apart from water buybacks) would you take to Canberra?
The responses were considered and practical:
• Greater accountability and transparency from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder in reporting water usage;
• Reassessment of Australia’s adherence to international treaties underpinning the MDBP, with a view to taking greater responsibility for our own environmental outcomes;
• Increased transparency around First Nations’ water usage and management;
• Ensuring environmental water holders are subject to the same reporting and usage parameters as consumptive water users; and,
• Investment in re-engineering and modernising the barrages to improve the efficiency of Lake Alexandrina.
2. Given the pressures on business and agriculture, and uncertainty around input supply, what would you recommend?
Across the board, candidates converged on a common theme: Australia must become more self-sufficient and take greater responsibility for its own economic and supply chain resilience.
These were not abstract or ideological responses.
They were grounded, practical, and - importantly - capable of attracting bipartisan support if there is genuine intent to address the issues facing regional Australia.
What was equally notable, however, was the absence of a candidate from the Australian Labor Party.
In an election centred on water, agriculture, and the future of regional economies, choosing not to stand is not a neutral act - it is a decision to step away from scrutiny and accountability.
If these issues are not important enough to contest here, it raises a broader question: is the ALP a party that was founded in the bush, but now governs for the cities?
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