WITH the Federal Election fast approaching, voters were given the opportunity to hear from, and interact with, the Wannon candidates on Monday night at The Spectator’s candidate forum, held at the Monivae Performing Arts Centre.

It was a fast-paced night with seven of the eight federal candidates taking the stage to give their opening statements, respond to voters’ questions and concerns, and provide a final closing argument.

The candidates in attendance were Independent Graham Garner, Greens’ Hilary McAllister, Independent Alex Dyson, United Australia Party’s (UAP) Craige Kensen, Liberal Democrat Party’s Amanda Mead, Labor’s Gilbert Wilson, and incumbent Liberal Dan Tehan, with The Spectator unable to contact Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party’s Ronnie Graham.

Over 60 people filled the auditorium with 50 more logging in to view the live Facebook stream and share their thoughts on the topics raised.

A range of national issues were covered including vaccination mandates, university and TAFE accessibility, housing affordability, campaign funding, and their proposed first act as the elected Wannon representative.

One main concern from the crowd was the continuation of vaccine mandates and the lack of research into the Covid-19 vaccines.

Independent, Alex Dyson responded to the vaccination question by saying, “when it comes to creating the vaccines, I trust the experts”, with UAP candidate, Craig Kensen taking a different view and saying, “we can’t trust (the experts) anymore”, while Independent Graham Garner said the “vaccinations should be up to an individual’s choice”.

More controversy occurred when the candidates were asked to disclose the source of their campaign funding, to which Liberal Democrat Party’s Amanda Mead said, “I have pretty much paid for it all myself”, while Liberal Dan Tehan said he gets his donations from “the local community and party members”, with assistance from the national campaign across Australia.

Labor’s Gilbert Wilson said he had received donations from the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union as well as from The Australian Labour Party, and Greens’ Hilary McAllister said she received donations via her website, but rejected any donations from fossil fuel companies.

Early voting begins in Hamilton from 9am-4pm on Saturday, May 14, at Hamilton Senior Citizens Rooms (100 Lonsdale Street), with voting available in Casterton at the Casterton Town Hall from 8am until 6pm on May 21.