Candidate’s Forum
Hinchinbrook locals will have the opportunity to meet the candidates in the lead up to the Queensland State Elections 2020 at the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Candidates’ Forum at 5:30pm on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Ingham Picture Theatre.
The livestreamed event will allow candidates for the Hinchinbrook Electorate to share their platforms and promises while providing members of the community the opportunity to ask questions via the emcee.
Chamber President Rachael Coco said that issues such as regulation reform, a skilled workforce and investment into infrastructure will be of “paramount importance as the business and broader community progresses from surviving COVID-19 into recovery mode.”
“Every election is important, but the COVID-19 pandemic will make this election critical as our shire, state and country are forced to reconsider what ‘business as usual’ means and implement strategies that encourage innovation and foster genuine recovery” said Ms Coco.
“Some issues impact the entire state whereas others are specific to the Hinchinbrook Shire or regional areas in general, so it’s important to find out how candidates plan to address matters ranging from insurance stamp duty and reef regulations through to improved marine access and COVID-19 recovery measures” she said.
Ms Coco said that this year’s forum will follow a slightly different format compared to previous years, with the introduction of a new segment to address business-specific issues identified by the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland.
“Chamber’s election priorities are diverse, falling under five pillars that include ‘Business Friendly’, ‘Skilled Workforce’, ‘Sustainable Practices’, ‘Smart Infrastructure’ and ‘Connected Businesses’ and we’ve put a great deal of work into outlining the key issues that impact businesses” said Ms Coco.
“However we realise it’s important to allow the broader community to ask the questions that matter to them, so there will still be a Q&A segment where attendees can write down questions for the emcee to ask and the candidates will have an allotted time to provide their answers.”
Questions can be submitted by those in attendance on the night or in writing to admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au before midday on Tuesday, October 6 but will not be accepted from Facebook viewers during the Livestream.
Doors will open at 5:30pm with the forum commencing at 6pm sharp.
