BILATERAL views and courteous discussion was probably the last thing a raft of new Lismore voters expected when this elections would-be MP’s flung into the area for a “debate”.
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Mingoola hosted the four candidates for the seat of Lismore on Monday evening and discussions rarely threatened to teeter toward a clash of ideals.
Incumbent member Thomas George has served the Lismore electorate since 1999 and has seen three boundary redistributions and a swag of people put their hand up for his job.
Mr George utilised his allotted 10 minutes to discuss his record on roads and funding and highlighted native vegetation concerns and cross border issues.
“I’ve never singled out one issue – I’ve continually taken all the issues to the community to see what’s important to them,” he said.
The newest participant in this year’s election battle, Gianpiero Battista, was the first to speak on the night.
A Lismore councillor for six years, Mr Battista, the candidate for the Fred Nile party, said he’d stand up for the Tenterfield shire as he’s done for his local government area.
“I’ve fought rate changes in Lismore and money waste in council – I’ll endeavour to fight for you,” he said.
As a member of the Christian Democrat Party he also touched briefly on his personal beliefs and his opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, euthanasia and lamented the portrayal of his party in the media.
“I follow Christian values and I see an eroding in our society and communities.”
He said he’d diverted from the Nationals party because of disillusionment with their ideals and positions on matters such as coal seam gas - which he’s opposed to.
There was a common theme throughout the night – Lismore and coal seam gas (CSG).
Lismore was namechecked over 50 times in the 90 minute discussions where Tenterfield was largely forgotten for broader issues.
Greens candidate Adam Guise began his political career after a stint with anti-CSG campaigners.
That bout with what he labelled “government corruption” stirred a spark in him.
“Only in recent years have I become political – but I have no zest for power, fame or fortune.
“I want to make changes to the big end of town that is corrupting government.
“I know most people out there are disillusioned with politics – I feel it too,” he said.
He said he was building his campaign around support for farmers.
“Grow good food, have clean water and air - that is where our future lies,” Mr Guise said.
Labor participant Isaac Smith was quick to plant the corruption tag on past and present state governments.
“I don’t think we’re being well served by government – they’ve lost the ability to listen to people.
“Politicians needs to step up – the community are doing things now that politics is years behind in,” Mr Smith said.
Passion for family and government impact on households was a popular talking point for the Lismore deputy mayor who said ideally he’d like to see the abolishment of state government.
“That level usually stuffs up what Federal and Local Government are doing,” he said.
The 30-plus attendees used the back end of the meet to field personal qualms and queries.
The sustainability of small schools, transport, roads, cost shifting, hospitals, and even marital history got a mention from the audience.
The following day the foursome congregated in Tenterfield for a further meet and greet with locals at the Community Hub.
