It was standing room only at a Copacabana “Meet the Candidates” Forum on Monday May 9 to hear eight candidates for Robertson in the federal election spruik their policies.
The night started with respectful interest during the formal proceedings but got quite rowdy when the room was opened up to questions from the floor.
The forum provided an opportunity for the candidates to outline their key policies in short speeches, in an event organised by the Copacabana Community Association and held at Copa Surf Club.
After the speeches, each candidate addressed three key questions from the event organisers which had been provided to them ahead of the forum.
Those topics concerned emissions reductions targets; seismic testing and offshore mining licenses and their intentions regarding the establishment of a Federal ICAC.
All the candidates gave comprehensive and in some cases impassioned responses to the questions, Copa Community Association president Sue Steedman said.
“The consensus view from the audience was that the opportunity to hear policies on what were clearly important issues was informative and helped shape their assessment of the candidates,” Steedman said.
This was followed by an open Q & A session.
“Although the audience was quite respectful during the formal proceedings, it was a rowdy crowd during the Q & A,” Steedman said.
“There were some very vocal – non-local – supporters of some of the minor parties who threatened to dominate the agenda at times and some of the more moderate members of the audience left early in protest.”
Ms Steedman said that comments made to her after the event indicated that the majority of the audience did not appreciate the aggressive tone of some of the audience questions and many felt that broader issues, such as national security and aged care could have been addressed, given more time.
It appeared to her that for some, the debate certainly sealed their voting intentions.
Most of the candidates stayed on after the Forum to mingle and talk to audience members and thanked CCA committee members for a well-run forum, Ms Steedman said
“These events represent an opportunity for undecided voters to learn about the key policies and agendas of candidates they may never have seen before.
“For us, the ability to facilitate and co-ordinate public meetings like this is an important function which we believe is appreciated by our members and the broader community.”
The CCA intends to run a similar event ahead of the State election next year. For more information or to join the mailing list see www.copanews.com.au or email info@copanews.com.au
Source: Press Release, Copa Community Association May 11, 2022
I was in attendance at the Copa forum and I have a different perspective of the crowd behaviour. While some may see it as rowdy, I saw it as a fantastic opportunity for voters to share their concerns. I was impressed by the passion and debate. It wasn’t out of control, it was real people expressing their concerns to the candidates and incumbent.
I applaud Copa Community Association for holding such a wonderful event.