THE Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its candidates forum after SA-Best candidate Kate Amoroso and Labor’s Isabel Scriven declined to commit to attending the debate.
The debate days out from polling day was scheduled as a result of last month’s Chamber of Commerce Great State Debate, which only attracted three candidates – independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Liberal candidate Craig Marsh and Australian Conservatives’ Gregg Bisset.
While Ms Amoroso was absent from the February forum due to ill health, Ms Scriven had only been endorsed as the Labor candidate earlier that day.
Independent Richard Sage, Dignity Party’s Lance Jones and Greens candidate Gavin Clarke had not yet announced their intention to run at the last event.
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce vice president Ben Hood said the second forum was convened for the “express purpose” of ensuring voters gain a stronger understanding of a broad range of candidates’ views on issues within the electorate.
ConThe forum was scheduled for Wednesday evening, with former SBS senior political reporter Daniela Ritorto taking on the role of moderator.
According to Mr Hood, Ms Amoroso said she was “too busy on the campaign trail”, while Ms Scriven did not reply.
Greens candidate for Mount Gambier Gavin Clarke was unable to attend due to prior commitments, but did indicate he would prepare a written speech or video recording to outline his party’s policies.
“It is extremely important the community know their candidates and their policies and if we cannot have a hearty debate between a majority of the candidates we are forced to cancel,” he said.
“We had Daniela Ritorto all lined up and she was very keen to participate as a moderator if we do not have all the candidates, there is not much point.
“The board of the chamber is very disappointed as it was the last opportunity for candidates to express their plans and policies for the future of Mount Gambier to be able to enact change at a state level in parliament.”
Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell slammed the non-attendance of the Labor and SA-Best candidates, adding it was “very disappointing”.
“As the local member, you do not get to choose when you rock up to parliament,” he said.
“You need to rock up every day and debate some very difficult issues and policies.
“You have got be able to stand up for yourself and stand up in the parliament, because if you think a local audience is tough, wait until you get into parliament and are up against MPs that have been there for 20 years.”
Mr Bell said he was particularly let down by Ms Amoroso’s refusal.
“I am very, very disappointed with SA-Best because I wanted to have on the record his party’s support for the Qantas pilot training,” he said.
Independent candidate for Mount Gambier Richard Sage said he was “really disappointed” the chamber cancelled its debate.
“They should have at least given us a chance to get our message out there,” he said.
“The less people there are, the quicker you can get through questions and the community has more opportunity to get their questions answered.”
Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Craig Marsh said it was important for candidates to engage in debates to explain their views and policies regarding important factors affecting the community.
“If candidates are unable or unwilling to openly represent their parties’ views, then how can they possibly be suitable to advocate strongly for the Mount Gambier electorate?” he said.
