Federal election 2022: Dave Sharma savages Allegra Spender in live debate over Wentworth
Incumbent Liberal Dave Sharma and high profile independent Allegra Spender have clashed repeatedly in a feisty televised debate as they battle for the bellwether seat of Wentworth.
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Wentworth independent candidate Allegra Spender says she is “open to work with either” Labor or the Coalition, if Australia ends up with a hung parliament, arguing she will “negotiate with anyone” if elected.
The Climate 200-backed “Voices of” candidate was accused of being “dishonest” with voters by incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma when she refused to specifically name which party she would support to form a minority government if she won the once-blue ribbon eastern suburbs seat on May 21.
The two candidates squared off in the Sky News Wentworth debate at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, trading barbs on political integrity, religious freedom, climate, electric vehicles, the boycott Israel movement and foreign affairs.
Ms Spender was repeatedly asked if she would back the Coalition or Labor if neither side won an outright majority, but would only pledge to side with whoever offered “opportunities for the community of Wentworth”.
With the federal election a month away, polls are indicating a hung parliament is becoming an increasingly likely scenario.
“I am open to work with either side,” Ms Spender said.
“I will stand issue by issue.
“I’m standing as an independent because I can vote, legislate and advocate on issues important to this community. I’m not driven by party policies.”
Ms Spender said the Coalition government was not standing for the values of the Wentworth community and accused Mr Sharma of being beholden to his party.
Mr Sharma fired back, pointing out to get things done in parliament MPs had to get the support of at least 75 others and he was able to do that within the Coalition.
“I’ll take the label moderate because I am a moderate but I believe you can get more done as part of a team,” he said.
He highlighted his role in changing the Liberal party’s policy on climate change.
“I was one of several who convinced our party to support net zero by 2050,” he said.
Both candidates advocated for strong climate action, with Ms Spender accusing the Coalition of not doing enough to deal with the issue.
But Mr Sharma accused Ms Spender of “plucking numbers out of thin air” when calculating the cost of her climate policies.
Spender had previously struggled to deal with questions on such costings in an interview with Sky News’ Laura Jayes last week.
Sharma said it was inevitable people and their jobs would be impacted by the economic shift towards a greener economy and as such it needed to be dealt with in a ‘sensitive’ manner.
Spender took umbrage at Sharma’s comments and reiterated her thoughts that the Liberals haven’t done enough in regards to climate change and more needs to be done, including in terms of emissions targets.
Ms Spender also doubled down on her call for Katherine Deves to step down as Liberal candidate in the neighbouring seat of Warringah.
“She’s trying to incite division and not a civilised and calm and logical debate,” Ms Spender said.
It was one of the issues the two candidates found common ground, with Mr Sharma telling the audience “I agree with a large part of what Allegra said”.
“ (Ms Deves’) comments are reprehensible and should be condemned and she should withdraw them,” Mr Sharma said.
But he would not say if Ms Deves, who was handpicked for the seat by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, should be disendorsed by the Liberals.
“I don’t have a say in that,” he said.
“I didn’t select her, I don’t have a say in whether she should be endorsed or not.
“This is for the people of Warringah to decide if they don’t like her views.”
On trans women participating in sport, Mr Sharma said existing protections and systems used by sporting codes to deal with the complex issue were sufficient and he did not support a private members’ bill proposed by a Liberal colleague.
“I’m opposed to it, I don’t think it’s necessary and I’ve indicated I wouldn’t support such legislation,” he said.
See our highlights from the debate via our live blog below.
SHARMA AND SPENDER CLASH IN SKY NEWS’ WENTWORTH PEOPLE’S FORUM
The contest in Wentworth between sitting Liberal MP Dave Sharma and independent Allegra Spender is as tight as they come with the incumbent holding the seat by a margin of just 1.3 per cent.
As the polls get closer and fears we could be headed towards a hung parliament increase, could the eastern suburbs of Sydney decide the fate of our entire nation?
This debate could go a long way to deciding their votes.
4.35pm – the debate draws to a close
The candidates are giving their closing remarks.
“I am standing really because I think this is an absolutely crucial election,” Spender said.
“You have the choice for someone willing to stand for the values of the community every single time.
“I will vote, I will advocate and put forward legislation which aligns with the values of this community.”
Sharma said he agreed it was a very important election.
“Your vote will count here in Wentworth and it will count nationally because it’s a competitive election,” Sharma said.
Watching Sharma/Spender debate on @SkyNewsAust is like watching two pageant girls fight over who has the better policies for "world peace". I could not tell them apart. Both weak at a time when our nation needs strength. May suit woke Twitter. Not the real world. Audience angry.
— VoteLewko (@VoteLewko) April 21, 2022
“I urge you to exercise that vote wisely.
“If you have a candidate that has slogans but doesn’t have detailed polices to back them up then don’t risk that uncertainty.
“If you have a candidate who won’t tell you who they’re going to support in the event of a hung parliament I’d say don’t risk the uncertainty.”
Sky News didn’t take votes from the audience during this Wentworth debated as they did during Wednesday night’s forum between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese.
However both candidates performed strongly under the scrutiny and well considered questions from the audience members present. Judging from the reaction of the voters at the SCG, the composure of both Sharma and Spender and their responses, honours were probably shared.
Fellow Wentworth candidate Daniel Lewkovitz, who is running for the Liberal Democrats, appeared to agree in his own way, in the above tweet.
4.29pm – Spender and Sharma support two-state solution
Gilbert has asked about Spender’s links to GetUp and the anti-Israel BDS movement.
“I’ll talk about my own record here,” Sharma said.
“I support a two state solution.
“I am opposed to movements that seek to delegitimatise Israel and opposed to groups including the BDS movement.
Spender said growing up in Wentworth she had a “deep connection to the Jewish community”.
“I was clear back in January when BDS was targeting the Sydney Festival that I did not support it,” Spender said.
“I also support a two state solution … I think it’s the outcome everyone seeks and I also support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
4.24pm – Candidates questioned on solar panels
An audience member asked: do you have solar panels or an electric vehicle.
“I live in a terrace so no I don’t have solar panels on the roof and I don’t have an electric vehicle,” Sharma said.
“I have a commonwealth vehicle and a little electric Vespa. We make do with the one car for the five of us (in the family).
“If the commonwealth offers me an electric car I’ll gladly take it.”
Spender said she “tried very hard to get solar panels but I’m in a strata area”.
“I can’t have an electric car because I don’t have a garage or a driveway to charge it.
“I have a hybrid and a diesel car actually and we use those really separately.”
4.15pm – The debate gets heated
As the debate gathered momentum, things become heated as Sharma accused Spender of ‘plucking numbers out of thin air’ when it comes to calculating the cost of policies dealing with climate change.
Spender had previously struggled to deal with questions on such costings in an interview with Sky News’ Laura Jayes last week.
Sharma said it was inevitable people and their jobs would be impacted by the economic shift towards a greener economy and as such it needed to be dealt with in a ‘sensitive’ manner.
Spender took umbrage at Sharma’s comments and reiterated her thoughts that the Liberals haven’t done enough in regards to climate change and more needs to be done, including in terms of emissions targets.
The comments came as the candidates became increasingly feisty towards one another.
They also clashed over Solomon Islands’ newly signed security pact with China.
Sharma said Australia doesn’t need to follow a path of ‘self loathing’ in regard to the issue.
4.13pm
The key question on preferences
Gilbert asked: “You’re both voters in Wentworth who is your second preference?”
Both candidates laughed.
“I don’t know all the candidates yet,” Sharma said.
“I think we’re doing the (ballot) draw tomorrow.”
Gilbert then directed his attention to Spender.
“You do have a fair bit of Liberal heritage …”
“Yes I know,” Spender said.
“I don’t know (who I will preference) just yet.”
4.09pm
Sharma says he is a moderate Liberal
Spender said she was running against Sharma because his comments didn’t always match his actions.
She said she “applauded” Sharma for crossing the floor on the religious discrimination bill but questioned why he didn’t do it more often.
“When it comes to action on climate change he is not standing up and crossing the floor,” Spender said.
“It is party first and community second.”
Gilbert asked if like Steggall she would be more likely to vote with the Liberals if Morrison were no longer Prime Minister.
“I said I’m a policy person not a party person. I haven’t met Scott Morrison, I have had no dealings with him.”
Gilbert asked if Spender “regretted” the fact that as audience member Michelle pointed out she was targeting a moderate Liberal.
“It’s about targeting people who say they’re moderate but they don’t vote moderate and that’s why I’m standing,” Spender said.
Sharma responded.
“I’ll take the label moderate because I am a moderate but I believe you can get more done as part of a team.”
He highlighted his role in changing the Liberal party’s policy on climate change.
“I was one of several who convinced our party to support net zero by 2050.”
3.59pm
Audience question on the NDIS
Paula from the audience has a question – what can you tell me about the future of the NDIS?
Sharma said: “We’re committed as a government to the NDIS. The funding has gone up year on year.
“I think it’s an incredibly important system because it addresses an area of disadvantage if you will in Australian society.
“Our commitment as a government is to continuing to fully fund the NDIS.
“It’s an expensive program and we need to make sure we run a good budget and strong economy to support it.”
Spender she had heard both great and disappointing stories about individual experiences.
“I think we can also make it better by making it centric to the people it is supporting,” Spender said.
3.52pm
Religious freedom debate
Sharma was asked a question from an audience member about his stance on religious freedom.
“I support the right of people not be discriminated against based on their faith – it should be a protected attribute,” Sharma said.
“I do not support the ability of faith based institutions to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation.
“I don’t think its OK to for a faith based school to sack a gay teacher.”
3.48pm
Sharma and Spender share common ground on Deves controversy
Spender spoke about why she had called for Katherine Deves to step down as Liberal candidate for Warringah.
“She’s trying to incite division and not a civilised and calm and logical debate.
“People feel the past three years have been a terrible theatre show.”
Sharma said he had common ground with Spender on this issue.
“I agree with a large part of what Allegra said,” Sharma said.
“Her comments are reprehensible and should be condemned and she should withdraw them.”
Kieran Gilbert the host asked Sharma if Deves should be disendorsed.
“I don’t have a say in that. I didn’t select her, I don’t have a say in whether she should be endorsed or not.
“This is for the people of Warringah to decide if they don’t like her views.”
3.44pm
What Spender will do if there is a hung parliament
Spender received a question about what she will do and how she will vote in the event of a hung parliament.
“For me I’m about policy I’m not about parties. Where I’d vote if there was a hung parliament it would depend on the policies on offer and the opportunities for the community of Wentworth.”
She confirmed she would vote for whichever party furthered the interests of her constituents.
“I’m open to work with either side of government. I’m someone who can build relationships.”
Sharma challenged her.
“If you’re not being upfront with the electorate now and telling them who you’re going to support you’re not being honest,” Sharma said.
3.38pm
Global uncertainty due to the war in Ukraine and the pandemic
Sharma said the election was taking place at a time of great global uncertainty due to both the pandemic and war in Ukraine.
“Australia is emerging strongly from the pandemic. We’ve got one of the highest vaccination rates in the world – our policies have helped save lives. Our economy is bigger now than it was before the pandemic but there’s more left to do.”
3.37pm
Spender wins the coin toss
Allegra Spender has won the coin toss and so she is invited to speak first.
Spender said she was standing as a mum, renewable energy advocate and person who has run a number of businesses.
“I’m standing as an independent because I can vote, legislate and advocate on issues important to this community. I’m not driven by party policies.”
3.29pm
The candidates take to the stage
The candidates are on stage, the undecided voters have taken their seats and there’s a buzz as we wait to go live.
Allegra Spender entertains the audience with a joke.
“What did the cheese say to the mirror? Hello me! (haloumi)”
The audience chuckles.
Gabba to the SCG in 12 hours - @Kieran_Gilbert prepping for Wentworth Debate live 3:30pm @SkyNewsAustpic.twitter.com/J6RONEVOcY
— Thomas O'Brien (@TJ__OBrien) April 21, 2022
***
Sharma and Spender have been throwing barbs at one another ever since the campaign began.
Stories about unearthed comments by the Wentworth Independents linked Blair Palese, who Spender describes as a “supporter” rather than a team member, were shared by Sharma on social media.
Sharma labelled his opponent as “the so-called independent” who refused to “condemn (her) pro-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions), anti-Israel campaign director”.
Meanwhile Spender has criticised Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves for her comments on transgender youth while slamming Sharma for not doing the same.
“By remaining silent, our local member has chosen his party over his community. This is not what politics should be like,” Spender said.
I’d never heard of a “petrol weekender†before today. 🧠pic.twitter.com/VMuiTF31uA
— Dave Sharma (@DaveSharma) April 13, 2022
“Our local member should not be staying silent while his party plays host to some disgusting behaviour. We should have local members who stand up for us.”
The duo have also traded sledges about unlawfully posting campaign materials.
Sharma has been told to remove his billboard from Edgecliff Centre and Spender to take her corflutes off Ausgrid poles.
More Coverage
Our local member should be willing to stand up for our values. I will always stand up for Wentworth’s values. pic.twitter.com/Qvu7xe9iju
— Allegra Spender (@spenderallegra) April 18, 2022
Originally published as Federal election 2022: Dave Sharma savages Allegra Spender in live debate over Wentworth
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