Both Labor candidate Stella Zigouras and Liberal candidate Paul Matheson were apologies for the forum, which provides an opportunity for candidates to speak directly to, and be questioned by, local voters.
It was disappointing from our two major parties.
But for Labor, in particular, saying nothing to the people of Mildura has seemingly become party policy.
Sunraysia Daily has been asking questions of the Victorian Government for months in regards to the status of the Mildura hospital master plan, with little to no response.
So why would Labor want a new candidate to face the music? Why would they want Ms Zigouras to answer unfiltered questions from an audience of voters when they are unwilling to even respond to emailed questions from a newspaper?
Ms Zigouras, a local lawyer, politely declined the Daily‘s invitation to attend the forum due to a “prior commitment” and has also said she is unable to be interviewed by this newspaper due to “time constraints”.
Instead, our Labor candidate emailed a profile piece, which speaks of her family’s rich history in Sunraysia, where they have lived for 100 years.
“Through my work supporting our most vulnerable, I have spent many days at the Mildura Base Public Hospital, the hospital the Andrews Labor Government returned to public ownership after the Kennett Liberal National Government had privatised it in 1998,” Ms Zigouras wrote. “I have seen up close the first-hand benefits of a Labor Government to our community.”
OK, nice words, but this is where we, the media, would like to ask some questions of our Labor candidate on behalf of you, the voters.
Ms Zigouras, can you explain why the Victorian Government’s master plan for Mildura Base Public Hospital has not yet been made public?
Ms Zigouras, Labor has said the master plan, which was due for release back in April, has recommended a redevelopment of the existing hospital, so what is the design? What is the expected timeline for completion?
Ms Zigouras, the master plan cost $2.1 million, so why does the government not at least have a costing on the hospital redevelopment by now?
Ms Zigouras, Labor has committed to build or rebuild hospitals all over the state if elected, so, given your family has lived in Sunraysia for more than 100 years and you understand the health care challenges that come from our isolation, are you not disappointed that Mildura still remains off Labor’s list?
And last, Ms Zigouras, what are you doing to fight for a commitment for our hospital from Labor on behalf of your community?
Mr Matheson also has questions that need answering if he wants to earn voter trust, after it was revealed in The Age that he was charged with breaches under the Victoria Police Act and demoted after lying to investigators probing alleged sexual misconduct. Victoria Police reportedly resolved the disciplinary matters.
Newspapers like Sunraysia Daily are an important voice for their communities and it is incumbent on us to pursue truth and answers.
It is not personal, it’s doing our job.
Labor’s enormous marketing and communication department uses its social media platforms to spread government messages, but too often refuses to answer questions that challenge it. That’s dangerous.
Democracy and accountability suffer when debate is shut down by those who are elected to represent us.
As taxpayers in this state, we want and deserve answers on our hospital. It’s not too much to ask. Our request for interviews with Ms Zigouras, the Government and Mr Matheson remain open.
In regards to Monday night’s forum, I thank the four candidates – Independent Member for Mildura Ali Cupper, The Nationals’ Jade Benham, The Greens’ Katie Clements and Independent Glenn Milne – for fronting up and facing questions from the audience. It was democracy at work, and that’s a healthy state to be in.
