General News
10 November, 2022
Ripon candidate forum to answer local questions ahead of November 26 election
Ripon is one of the most marginal seats in Victoria, with current Liberal member Louise Staley holding onto the seat by just 15 votes over Labor’s candidate at the 2018 election. Ms Staley will be looking to hold the seat for a third term at this...
Central Goldfields Shire residents will get the chance to hear directly from the candidates vying for the seat of Ripon — expected to be one of the most hotly contested in the upcoming state election — with a forum taking place in Maryborough next week.
Organised by the Committee for Maryborough, the Meet the Ripon Candidates Forum will run next Wednesday, November 16 at the Maryborough Golf Club — just a week out from election day on November 26.
The committee’s executive officer, Kerrie Dowling, said it would be an opportunity for residents to hear directly from candidates and ask key questions.
“We try and organise these forums for each election to give the community and business sector the opportunity to ask those questions that they otherwise may not get the opportunity to ask directly,” she said.
“This election is an important one given how close it was at the last state election, so for residents to have the opportunity to hear from candidates and understand their voting options is important.”
Ripon is one of the most marginal seats in Victoria, with current Liberal member Louise Staley holding onto the seat by just 15 votes over Labor’s candidate at the 2018 election.
Ms Staley will be looking to hold the seat for a third term at this month’s election, with fellow Ripon candidates also vying for the seat.
The candidates, in ballot order are:
Luke Smith (Shooters, Fishers & Farmers)
Wayne Rigg (Independent)
EarlJames(Greens)
Martha Haylett (Labor)
Wren Louise Wilson (Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party)
Louise Staley (Liberal)
Holly Sitters (Animal Justice Party)
Craig George (Family First Victoria)
Bernard Quince (Independent)
Ms Staley and Ms Haylett have so far confirmed their attendance at next week’s forum, as well as Ms Sitters who will appear via videolink.
The forum itself will be moderated by ABC journalist Bridget Rollason, who will ask the candidates questions submitted by community members.
Ms Dowling encouraged residents to register for the session and to submit any questions they may have by Tuesday.
“We’re still waiting for questions to come in from people who are attending,” she said.
“If anyone attending the forum would like to have a question asked, these need to be submitted before Tuesday morning.”
Registrations for the session are essential and can be made online by searching Meet the Ripon Candidates Forum at www.eventbrite.com.
Registrations are free, however there is an option for lunch afterwards which incurs a cost.
For more information on the forum, contact Ms Dowling on kerrie.dowling@sonac.biz