A significant gathering of approximately 100 community members attended the Mapleton and District Community Association’s (MADCA) Meet the Candidates forum at the Mapleton Bowls Club on Tuesday evening, April 22nd. The event provided residents of the Fairfax electorate with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with six of the eight invited candidates ahead of the upcoming federal election.
Conor McManus facilitated the evening’s proceedings, which featured Sue Etheridge (Greens), Beatrice Marsh (One Nation), Ted O’Brien (LNP), Paul McKeown (Independent), Naomi McQueen (Labor), and Francine Wiig (Independent). Each candidate was allocated equal time to introduce their platform, respond to community-submitted questions, and deliver closing remarks.
The forum exemplified MADCA’s dedication to non-partisan community engagement, creating a space for respectful dialogue and informed decision-making. Questions addressed a comprehensive range of issues, from social concerns such as domestic violence to matters of governance and infrastructure development.
Energy and Climate Policy
Climate change and energy policy emerged as significant topics during the evening’s discussion. McQueen (Labor), Etheridge (Greens), McKeown (Independent) and Wigg (Independent) all expressed support for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, emphasising renewable energy as the primary pathway to this goal. In contrast, the O’Brien (LNP) and Marsh (One Nation) advocated for a mixed approach that would include nuclear energy alongside renewables.
National Institutions
The ABC’s role and funding sparked notable debate among candidates. The LNP candidate questioned the national broadcaster’s impartiality and value for taxpayer money, suggesting its funding arrangements should be reconsidered. McQueen (Labor), Etheridge (Greens), McKeown (Independent) and Wigg (Independent) countered with strong statements supporting the ABC’s importance as Australia’s national and emergency broadcaster.
University funding also featured in the discussion, with differing perspectives on the purpose of higher education. O’Brien (LNP) raised concerns about ideological content in university curricula, while others defended broader educational values. Notably, the specific role of research in higher education received less attention during the exchange.
Community Engagement
Despite the absence of two invited candidates—Greg Ryzy (Trumpet of Patriots) and Rhys Sanderson (Family First)—the forum delivered a rich and informative exchange. Attendees remained engaged throughout the evening, with many commenting afterward on the value of hearing diverse perspectives in a local setting.
The forum maintained a respectful tone even when addressing complex or contentious issues, with candidates drawing on personal experiences, party platforms, or independent positions to articulate their views.
Feedback following the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with community members expressing appreciation for MADCA’s role in facilitating direct engagement between voters and candidates. The Meet the Candidates forum has once again proven its importance in the region’s democratic process and public dialogue, providing a platform where community concerns can be heard and candidates held accountable.