Both local candidates and the national leaders are readying to face off in debates as the election campaign finds top speed.
The first New England ‘meet the candidates’ event was held last week in Muswellbrook. Barnaby Joyce did not attend, sending a video instead.
Barnaby Joyce has been making a number of campaign appearances, including at yesterday’s Autumn Festival in Armidale, but appears to be failing to match the ground covered by Labor’s hardworking Laura Hughes, who was also in Armidale yesterday and at Uralla’s High Country Markets today.
Barnaby Joyce has advised he will also not be attending the planned Meet the Candidates event in Armidale, to be held next Monday April 14 at the Armidale Bowling Club. Hosted by New England Visions 2030, Hughes, Wendy Wales from the Greens and Brent Larkham from One Nation are all confirmed to attend.
New England Times will also be at the Armidale event, live blogging the discussion on our comment hub Engage and (technology permitting) streaming the event to Facebook.
Maria Hitchcock from New England Visions said they had originally planned the event for later in the month, but with the election set for May 3 – earlier than expected – they changed the date to the 14th of April. The event is open to all.
“Everyone is welcome, no need to register, just come along and ask your questions.”
Hitchcock said it was disappointing that Joyce would not be attending, but they are hopeful that Independent Natasha Ledger and Family First candidate Holly Masters will make an appearance giving locals a changes to see all the other alternatives.
“We know he has many followers in this area who would have appreciated the chance to talk to him.
“We will have some index cards available on the night for people to write a question to Barnaby which I will pass on,” she said.
The following week will be Tamworth’s turn, with local radio station 88.9FM understood to be planning to host a forum on April 23.
There will also be a forum specifically for Christians planned to be held at the Sapphire City Church on the Corner in Inverell, Thursday 1 May, at 7:00pm.
A Christian candidates forum is also being held for the Parkes electorate in Dubbo on April 15 at the Dubbo Baptist Church, and a general candidates forum is happening at the Dubbo RSL on Sunday April 13.
More events – and more candidates – are likely to make themselves know this week, with nominations for candidates closing on Thursday April 10, and the ballot draw taking place on Friday.
Rumours of a high profile independent make a last-minute nomination in New England continue to circulate, but so far appear to be mostly wishful thinking.
National Leaders Debates also scheduled
On the national front the contenders for Prime Minister will be facing off in a number of televised debates.
Albanese and Dutton will first present their competing visions for Australia’s future on the evening of Tuesday, 8 April, from 7:30pm broadcast live on Sky News.
As they did during the 2022 campaign, the prime minister and Opposition leader will participate in a ‘people’s forum’, hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph. Held in Western Sydney, the two leaders will face questions from 100 undecided New South Wales voters. It will be moderated by Sky News’ chief news anchor Kieran Gilbert.
There will also be a Treasurer’s debate held on Sky News the next day, April 9.
The ABC will host the first free-to-air leaders’ debate from its studios in Parramatta the following Wednesday, 16 April at 8pm.
The ABC will be choosing the topics and questions, with the leaders given equal time for statements and question answers. It will be moderated by Insiders host David Speers and broadcast live on ABC TV, iview and ABC radio.
Follow all the New England Times coverage of the federal election here or have your say on Engage
See more about the race in New England here
See more about the race in Parkes here