A collaborative initiative by the members of the Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Throsby Basin Local Chambers will ask candidates vying for the NSW seat of Newcastle to provide their business perspective at a forum to be held this week.
Candidates who have accepted to join the facilitated Q&A session are:
- Milton Caine – Christian Democratic Party
- Tim Crakanthorp – ALP
- Karen Howard – Liberal Party
Forum Coordinator, Nathan Errington, said that the combined Chambers in the seat of Newcastle represented about 300 members employing thousands of people directly and indirectly.
“Newcastle’s small business sector is a significant demographic that has great voting power and it is important for them to understand Candidates’ approach to business prior to the election,” he said.
“Issues on their minds include how Candidates will work to reduce red tape for business which also includes some inconsistencies between State and Local land zoning issues as raised in the Newcastle City Council LEP which is currently on public exhibition.”
“Importantly we want to shift the focus from the CBD to discussions around the diversification of transport and road systems into local centres such as Hamilton, Carrington, Wickham, Mayfield and New Lambton,’ he said.
The Forum will be facilitated by local media presenter, Tanya Wilks, and will focus upon issues that affect business.
Business people are invited to attend and submit potential questions prior to the Forum via an online survey which is also on the Facebook and websites of Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Mayfield Business Association and Throsby Basin Business Chamber.
- What | Newcastle Candidates Forum
- When | Wednesday, 4 March 2015
- Time | 6pm to 7.30pm
- Where | Gallipoli Legion Club, Beaumont Street Hamilton
