Michelle Milthorpe (second from right) recently attended an Albury forum for election candidates on health. Photo: Facebook.
Independent candidate for Farrer Michelle Milthorpe has confirmed she will attend a Griffith election debate/forum on Wednesday (23 April) despite announcing that she is stepping back from the campaign to spend time with her terminally ill father.
One Nation candidate Emma Hicks, though, has been struck down with the medical condition ulcerative colitis (bleeding of the intestines) so has announced she will have to miss the debate.
“It’s extremely disappointing, I was really looking forward to attending the forum,” she said.
On Easter Sunday, Ms Milthorpe announced she was stepping back from campaign commitments to be with her dad at his bedside in Cootamundra.
“Family has always come first for me,” Ms Milthorpe said. “It’s what grounds us, and it’s what connects us to our communities. My family is the reason I put my hand up to represent our region – and right now, this is where I need to be.
“To my amazing team and the volunteers who continue to give their time and energy to this campaign – thank you. Your support means our message continues to be heard: that regional voices matter and won’t be left behind.
“I’m especially grateful to the palliative care team who’ve made it possible for Dad to be at home with us. Your care has made a hard time a little bit easier, and we’re so thankful. And to everyone who’s reached out or kept us in your thoughts and prayers – thank you. It really does mean the world.”
On Tuesday, Ms Milthorpe’s campaign manager confirmed she would nevertheless travel to Griffith to attend the forum.
The Griffith Business Chamber is hosting the Meet the Candidates forum, which will begin at 5:45 pm on Wednesday (23 April) at the Griffith Exies Sports Club.
Incumbent and Liberal Party MP Sussan Ley has confirmed she will also attend the event, as will Labor’s Glen Hyde, Gerard Rennick People First candidate David O’Reilly and Clive Palmer-backed Trumpet of Patriots’ Tanya Hargraves.
The Greens’ Richard Hendrie, Shooters Fishers and Farmers’ Peter Sinclair and Family First’s Rebecca Scriven have told organisers they will not be there.
Questions on issues such as water, immigration, energy and campaign funding will be asked and discussion moderated by the author of this article, representing Region, alongside journalists from The Area News and Triple M.
“This is your chance to hear directly from those who want to represent us in Canberra,” Griffith Business Chamber president John Nikolic said.
“We’re facing significant challenges in our region and we need strong voices who understand them. We urge the entire community to come along – whether you’re in business, farming, health care, education or just want to understand more about what affects your local region.
”This is a chance to be informed before you cast your vote.”
The Meet the Candidates forum will be held at 5:45 pm on Wednesday (23 April) at the Griffith Exies Sports Club [The Sporties] at 33 Speirs Street. Attendance is free but RSVP is essential by emailing [email protected].
