Hunter residents will head to the polls next month, following Scott Morrison’s announcement of a 21 May Federal Election.

And, to help locals make the right decision for themselves, the Newcastle Institute is hosting a forum this week, featuring an expert panel to discuss key issues.

Four panellists – Jane Caro AM, Bob Hawes, professor Mark Kenny and Cheryl Kernot – will bring their different perspectives to critically analyse the place of Australia in the world and potential policy responses to current challenges.

They’ll explore a range of topics including equity, the economy, women’s rights, housing, climate change, trust and integrity, international relations and voter disillusionment.

Newcastle Institute committee member Robyn Considine said this election was one of the most critical in recent years and the result could be close.

“It comes at a time when a complex interplay of issues is affecting the Australian and the local community and economy,” she explained.

“We are also seeing residents expressing their frustration and anger with political parties and their policy decisions.

“In line with citizens’ voting rights comes the responsibility to be informed about the issues and the policies of parties and candidates.

“Newcastle Institute is staging this event to help voters gain information to help them with their decision.”

The forum will take place at the Newcastle United Sports Club, in Bryant Street, Adamstown, on Wednesday April 13 between 6pm and 7.30pm.

Newcastle Institute members attend free of charge, with entry $10 for non–members.

The forum will be live-streamed free on Newcastle Institute’s Facebook page and uploaded on its website the day after the event.

The not-for-profit organisation aims to support public discussion about key policy issues facing the Hunter and Australia.

Its meetings provide a forum for innovative and critical thinking to influence the development and debate of public policy at all levels.

For more information and membership visit www.newcastleinstitute.org.au

THE PANEL

Jane Caro AM

• Jane Caro is a Walkley Award winning Australian columnist, author, novelist, broadcaster, documentary maker, feminist and social commentator. Jane is standing for the Senate at the forthcoming Federal Election as a candidate for Reason Australia.

Bob Hawes

• Bob Hawes is the CEO of Business Hunter, the peak business group in the region.

Professor Mark Kenny

• Mark Kenny is professor Australian Studies Institute at ANU. He was a political correspondent and national affairs editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.

Cheryl Kernot

• Cheryl Kernot was the leader of the Australian Democrats from 1993-1997 and the Member for Dickson and a Labor shadow minister from 1998-2001. She is listed as one of the National Trust’s 100 National Living Treasures.

What: Newcastle Institute monthly public forum – Making your vote count

When: Wednesday April 13 from 6pm to 7.30pm

Where: Hunter United Sports Club, Bryant Street, Adamstown

No need to book

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