Just Transition South Gippsland (JTSG) and Bass Coast Climate Action Network (BC-CAN) are presenting an online candidates forum on May 3, focused on environmental issues.

The two groups say the climate emergency is looming as a major issue in the forthcoming Federal election.

The forum will give voters of Monash the opportunity to hear and question the views of candidates on key issues of climate change action and environmental protection.

Federal Liberal member Russell Broadbent, Labor candidate Jessica O’Donnell, the Greens Matt Morgan, and Independent Deb Leonard have confirmed their participation.

All other candidates have been invited to join them in the forum to answer questions on climate and environmental issues, particularly on their positions and preferred policies on climate change. 

The forum will run on Zoom on Tuesday May 3 from 7.30pm until 9pm.

To register to attend the online forum just go to the JTSG website at jtsouthgippsland.org or the BC-CAN Facebook page at facebook.com/BassCoastCAN and follow the links.

“Millions of Australians recognise that climate breakdown is the major issue of the moment,” JTSG spokesman Neil Barrett said.

“We can see that climate change is a vote-changing issue.

“You only have to look across the country at the credible challenges from independents highlighting climate action to see that it is going to have a big impact on the election outcome.

“Since the last election in 2019, Australia has been ablaze with bushfires that burned over 17 million hectares, destroyed over 3500 homes, killing 33 people and an estimated one billion animals.

“Since February this year, catastrophic record floods have wreaked havoc all along Australia’s east coast, taking more lives and destroying houses, stock and property.

“Australians know this is climate breakdown and that it’s only going to get worse, and they want to know what their candidates intend to do about it should they be elected to Parliament,” Mr Barrett said.

“As an electorate with a large and vital agricultural sector, there are many voters deeply worried that the failure to develop policies that directly address climate change will leave us with an unstable climate of more drought, along with increases in intense, heavy rainfall, and all the flow-on effects on our economy, health and general safety.”

The forum will allow candidates to present their views and positions on climate change action and environmental protection and provide Monash voters an opportunity to ask candidates questions.

“We know Australians across the political spectrum are concerned about both climate change and the natural environment, and this forum will give candidates the chance to display leadership on the issues and to address voters’ concerns,” Mr Barrett said.

You can register to attend the online Monash Candidates’ Forum at jtsouthgippsland.org or at facebook.com/BassCoastCAN

For further information email: contact@jtsouthgippsland.org.