Stirling Club hosts Albany candidate Q&A, with five candidates on same page for red tape, representation

Five of the nine candidates running for the seat of Albany joined a Q&A forum on Monday, kicking off the final week of their election campaign with a discussion on red tape, housing, education and democracy. Liberal candidate Tom Brough, Nationals’ Scott Leary, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Synjon Anstee-Brook, Australian Christians’ Gerrit Ballast and independent Mario Lionetti attended the event at the Stirling Club on Monday. About 40 people attended the panel during which candidates answered a series of questions on why they were running before answering questions from the audience. Mr Leary railed against the incumbent Government, saying they “only woke up” in the last six months after “doing nothing” for 3.5 years and that he was well-positioned to advocate for the interests of Albany to Parliament. Dr Brough said the regions were facing the “loss of belief in the Australian dream” while Mr Ballast said biblical values and a “human response” were necessary as the Government could not manage every issue. Mr Anstee-Brook spoke about his personal experience as a farmer and tradesman and the difficulties facing the community. All candidates were on the same page when it came to affirming their disapproval of the live sheep export ban, reviewing gun law reform and removing “middle management ” bureaucracy. Keeping Children Safe Albany co-ordinator Michelle Kinsella asked whether candidates would support stricter legislation and an inquiry into the appropriateness of children being exposed to sexual education books. Dr Brough, Mr Leary and Mr Anstee-Brook said the matter did not need more legislation and that much of the responsibility lay on parents. Mr Ballast however said it was an “easy yes” and Mr Lionetti expressed concern in the democratic process, claiming that past petitions and electors meeting votes to investigate the topic had been overhauled. Labor’s Rebecca Stephens, Greens’ Lynn MacLaren, One Nation’s Quintin Bisschoff and Legalise Cannabis’ Philip Arnatt were invited but said they could not attend due to the short notice. Independent Upper House candidates— independents Louise Kingston and Sophia Moermond sent their apologies and video presentations outlining their platforms.