Federal election candidates for Forde fiercely debated each other on local and national issues at a forum in Beenleigh this morning.
The Beenleigh-Yatala Chamber of Commerce hosted a Meet the Candidates forum at Club Beenleigh.
The event provided an opportunity for local business owners to have their say, ask questions and meet the candidates.
The candidates in attendance included Federal Member for Forde and Liberal National Party candidate Bert van Manen, Labor candidate Rowan Holzberger, Greens candidate Jordan Hall, Liberal Democrats candidate Tobby Sutherland, The New Liberals candidate Samuel Holland and Independent candidate Chris Greaves.
Animal Justice Party candidate Linda McCarthy, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation candidate Seschelle Matterson and United Australia Party candidate Roxanne O’Halloran were not in attendance.
Chamber of Commerce President Kerrie Saverin says attendees asked the candidates a wide range of questions.
Beenleigh property consultant Brian Reynolds says the forum was engaging.
Chamber of Commerce member James Yuiell says diverse thoughts and comments were shared at the forum.
After introducing themselves, the candidates were asked about who they or their party were going to preference, political interest in Forde, digital ids, veteran affairs, the potential threat of China, support for local businesses and the three most important local issues to them.
The forum was moderated by Beenleigh-Yatala Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mark Ellis.
The next Forde candidate forum will take place at the monthly meeting of the Eagleby Community and Wetlands Group at Brigalow Country Club, Logan Street, Eagleby, on Monday May 2, from 6.30pm.
