Federal election candidates will debate policy and answer voters’ questions at election forums to be held this Thursday and next Monday in Wangaratta and Kialla (near Shepparton).
“Agriculture is the backbone of rural and regional Australia. If regional candidates want to deliver for their constituents, they must deliver for agriculture,” said Mr David Jochinke, VFF President.
“Our first forum on Thursday night, organised with our Wangaratta Branch, has attracted six of the seven candidates running in the seat of Indi and is likely to provide some lively discussion and debate.
“On Monday night near Shepparton, a rural issues forum held in conjunction with the NFF will see Lisa Chesters and Bridget McKenzie speak about their vision and ideas for agriculture and our rural and regional communities.
“The NFF has a clear plan to grow agriculture into a $100 billion industry by 2030. Agriculture has so much potential for sustainable growth, but we need all levels of Government to partner with us to make it a reality.
“These forums are important opportunities not only for voters to learn more about the candidates, but also for the candidates to listen to the interests and concerns of voters.
“Many rural voters have tuned out from politics so these events provide a great opportunity for reengagement and we encourage all community members to come along and put their questions forward,” said Mr Jochinke.
The two elections will be as follows:
Indi Federal Election Forum
When: Thursday 2 May
Time: 7.30pm
Where: CWA Hall Templeton Street, Wangaratta
Indi Candidates:
Mark Byatt, National Party of Australia Helen Haines, Independent Eric Kerr, Australian Labor Party Steve Martin, Liberal Party of Australia Helen Robinson, the Australian Greens Shane Wheatland, United Australia Party
Rural Issues Forum
When: Money 6 May
Time: 6:30pm
Where: The Woolshed 7719 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla
Speakers:
Lisa Chesters, Shadow Assistant Minister for Rural & Regional Australia
Bridget McKenzie, Deputy Leader of the National party
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Heather Smillie, VFF Stakeholder, Media & Communications Officer, 0400 874 589