McFarland is Independents' candidate for Robertson

Niagara Park resident Mr Douglas McFarland has been chosen by Australian Independents party leader Dr Patricia Petersen as the candidate to contest the seat of Robertson in the September election.

"Mr McFarland is passionate about representing Robertson," said Dr Peterson.

"He's intelligent, socially progressive, up to speed with what people in his electorate want and need.

"He knows what challenges people in the electorate of Robertson face every day because he faces them himself - he lives in the electorate, he runs a small business in the area; he's a local," she said.

Mr McFarland said that he was attracted to the Australian Independents because the party was the only party in Australia for outlawing personal attacks and bullying, both inside and outside of the party, genuine representation, real accountability and democracy.

"The Australian Independents party is based on respect - respect for fellow members and colleagues, respect for other politicians and respect for the community.

"As an Australian Independents candidate, I will continue to listen to what the electorate of Robertson wants and, if elected, will go into parliament and fight for them.

"The Australian Independents party is serious about accountability.

"We don't accept donations from corporations or unions and we don't accept individual yearly donations of over $500 as we are against corruption.

"We only endorse community driven policies and our constitution stipulates that I, as a candidate, can and will only adopt policies that the majority of constituents in Robertson want; the party is serious about democracy and so am I," he said.

"The majority of people in every electorate of Australia, including Robertson, are for gay marriage, for an outright ban on CSG, for ending homelessness and for cutting red tape and administrative requirements for small business.

"All Australian Independents party candidates, including myself, will fight in parliament to see these issues addressed.

"Some political parties are for a moratorium on CSG, but this is just a delay.

"The Australian Independents party has the strongest anti-CSG policy in Australia as we understand the urgent need to protect our wineries, drinking water, farmers, agricultural industry and food export market.

"The Australian Independents party is listening to the Australian electorate; our party is listening to the constituents of Robertson - we need a ban on CSG and we need it right now," he said.

Media Release, 23 May 2013

Patricia Peterson, Australian Independents Party