The first public event of the Westside Climate Action Group was held at the new Science, Maths and Technology College at Toowong on Tuesday 6
th November.
In a forum refreshingly free of political rhetoric, four candidates for the seat of Ryan faced a barrage of questions and ‘take home’ messages from about 80 citizens. Sitting Liberal MP Michael Johnson was invited to attend, but declined.
One particularly probing question was put by Anna Keenan of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
What are your party's weaknesses on climate change policy?See Anna's Group's question and the candidate's refreshingly frank answers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzRStxtyjW8Candidates were invited to make policy speeches on climate change, which were limited to three minutes, and can be viewed here:
James Page (DEM):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q4p4IiC6YsEvan Jones (GRN):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3WoDYuJPWsRoss Daniels (ALP):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l_7YDx0lo0Charles Worringham (IND):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DPIMnxy5J0In addition to questions put to candidates, participants also gave the candidates a very clear message on climate change.
We are looking for politicians to mandate change. Don’t be afraid to make the politically unpopular decisions which have to be made.