Federal Candidates’ Forum – 10th July

Video of the ‘pitches’ from the candidates can be seen on the Newcastle Herald website here.

At the forthcoming Federal Election there will be keen interest in the outcome of the seats of Newcastle and Shortland.  Changing demographics, resignation of existing members, and recent results in State and Local Government elections mean that seats that have traditionally been ‘safe’ may be becoming marginal. 

The Newcastle Institute has previously hosted candidates’ forums before State and Lord Mayoral Elections.  Now, the Institute is joining with the Newcastle Herald to host a forum featuring the four major candidates for two local Federal seats that are in the spotlight for the next election:

Sharon Claydon and Jaimie Abbott in the seat of Newcastle, plus

Jill Hall MP and John Church in the seat of Shortland.

The evening will commence with a short review of the political changes affecting the two seats by Professor Jim Jose, politics expert at Newcastle University. 

Local Journalist Felicity Biggins will then conduct ‘get to know you’ interviews with the candidates, looking at their ‘back story’ – their life before politics, their family, their personal interests, their values:- getting to know the candidates as ‘people’. 

The candidates will then be invited to make a short speech as to why they are standing for election and what they hope to achieve. 

Herald journalist Jason Gordon will then take the chair.  The candidates will asked to answer questions from the public submitted (in advance) through the Newcastle Institute website, or through the Herald. 

Building on this, each candidate will have a ‘one-on-one’ interview with Jason, where he will probe further into the candidate’s answers.  He will be tough but fair to all the candidates.

Finally, the candidates will be asked to ‘wrap up’ with a final pitch for your vote.

This will be a unique event in Australia, with major candidates engaging face-to-face with the audience in a bipartisan forum.  The Newcastle Institute respects the great commitment to democracy that all candidates are making by standing for public office.  This respect for the candidates, and for Australia’s great democratic heritage, will underpin this event. 

GENERAL PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND AND/OR SUBMIT QUESTIONS

VENUE:  Newcastle City Hall       DATE: Wednesday 10th July 2013  

TIME: 7.00 till 9.00pm   ADMISSION: Free ($5 Donation requested)

FURTHER DETAILS:  www.newinstitute.org.au  or The Newcastle Herald