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Open invitation to Newcastle candidates’ forum

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Election time can be confronting for many people – as well as a bit confusing.

So, to help those residents, who are still unsure on who to vote for, make an informed decision at the federal ballot next month, the Hamilton Uniting Church is hosting a forum and Q&A on Wednesday 4 May with the contenders vying for the seat of Newcastle.

Incumbent Sharon Claydon (Labor) will face off against Katrina Wark (Liberal), Emily Brollo (Animal Justice), Mark Watson (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation), Charlotte McCabe (Greens), Garth Pywell (Independent), Amanda Cook (United Australia Party) and William Hussey (Informed Medical Options Party) at the polls on Saturday 21 May.

And, most of them will take part in the local event next week, according to coordinator Rob Hanks.

“We’ve invited all candidates to participate, with five of the eight accepting so far,” he said.

“Sharon Claydon, Emily Brollo, Mark Watson, Charlotte McCabe and Garth Pywell were quick to say yes, which is great.

“Each of them will have two minutes to introduce themselves and what they stand for.

“Then we’ll throw questions over to the audience.

“So, we’re keen to welcome anyone who’d like to be involved.

“In other words, it’s open to everyone.”

Mr Hanks is no stranger to staging such political discussions either.

“I’ve conducted two previously for the federal seat of Hunter – and they were both well-received,” he said.

“However, this is the first for the Newcastle electorate.

“It’s an important process and equally imperative to have all the candidates present.

“Each of them deserves an opportunity to get their message into the public domain.

“It also makes the night very open – and transparent – when everyone’s on deck.

“The more information you have at your disposal, the easier it is to vote for the right person.”

The forum and Q&A will take place at 152 Beaumont Street from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Meanwhile, the candidates have been announced for neighbouring Hunter, Shortland, Paterson and Lyne.

Candidates for Federal Election on 21 May:

Newcastle Electorate

  • Sharon Claydon (Labor)
  • Katrina Wark (Liberal)
  • Emily Brollo (Animal Justice)
  • Mark Watson (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
  • Charlotte McCabe (Greens)
  • Garth Pywell (Independent)
  • Amanda Cook (United Australia Party)
  • William Hussey (Informed Medical Options Party)

Hunter Electorate

  • James Thomson (Nationals)
  • Dan Repacholi (Labor)
  • Dale McNamara (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
  • Cathy Townsend (Informed Medical Options Party)
  • Stuart Bonds (Independent)
  • Geoff Passfield (United Australia Party)
  • Victoria Davies (Animal Justice)
  • Scott Laruffa (Independent)
  • Janet Murray (Greens)

Shortland Electorate

  • Pat Conroy (Labor)
  • Nell McGill (Liberal)
  • Kenneth Maxwell (United Australia Party)
  • Basil Paynter (Independent)
  • Kim Grierson (Greens)
  • Quintin King (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
  • Barry Reed (Liberal Democrats)
  • Bree Roberts (Animal Justice)

Paterson Electorate

  • Neil Turner (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
  • Brooke Vitnell (Liberal)
  • Meryl Swanson (Labor)
  • Angela Ketas (Informed Medical Options Party)
  • Louise Ihlein (Greens)
  • Sonia Bailey (Liberal Democrats)
  • Jason Olbourne (United Australia Party)

Lyne Electorate

  • Joanne Pearce (Independent)
  • Joel Putland (United Australia Party)
  • David Gillespie (National Party)
  • Alexander Simpson (Labor)
  • Steve Attkins (Independent)
  • Mark Hornshaw (Liberal Democratic Party)
  • Josephine Cashman (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
  • Karl Attenborough (Australian Greens)

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