The NSW teachers federation meet the candidates forum in Armidale will go ahead on Wednesday despite the Tamworth Business Chamber cancelling their public debate.
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The Chamber scrapped the event a day after Fairfax Media revealed Nationals’ candidate Barnaby Joyce would not be attending any public forums.
NSW teachers federation local organiser Tim Danaher said they would still approach the former deputy prime minister.
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“If he doesn’t engage in this forum, it’s a real slap in the face for all of the voters and all of the people in the communities spread across the New England electorate,” Mr Danaher said.
“We’re hopeful Barnaby will realise that the community wants funding for our schools.
“They don’t want the 80-20 split that’s under the Turnbull education plan.
“We want real needs-based funding that addresses the needs of the students in our area.”
But Mr Joyce told Fairfax Media this week he would not attend any forums due to the number of “out of towners” in the byelection.
“It’s annoying, it’s making the whole thing a farce,” Mr Joyce said.
“What they’re doing is a lot of people are turning up hoping to get their 4 per cent and their $2.40 per vote.
“It never goes back to a party or a party organisation, it just goes into their pocket.
“They’re trying to turn the whole show into a circus.
“Going to these forums means I give Mr Meow Meow a platform.
Going to these forums means I give Mr Meow Meow a platform.
- Barnaby Joyce
“I’m not going to give some person who’s making a whole joke of the situation some validation.
“We’re getting around all the towns, doing the work and taking this all very seriously.”
Meet the Candidates Forum will be held at the Armidale City Bowling Club on Wednesday, November 22 from 6:00pm.
West Leagues Club will host the Tamworth forum on Tuesday, November 21 from 6:30pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
