Federal election 2022: North Sydney candidates Trent Zimmerman, Kylea Tink and Catherine Renshaw go head to head in Sky News debate
Labor has ‘welcomed’ the potential support of a ‘Simon Holmes a Court independent’ should they win election next month, with the Liberals threatened by an potential new voting bloc.
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Incumbent North Sydney Liberal Trent Zimmerman has taken aim at the “collusion” of the “teal independents” in a robust debate over the crucial federal seat.
In an at times fiery debate, Zimmerman and Labor candidate Catherine Renshaw both called out independent contender Kylea Tink over her refusal to reveal who she will vote for in the event of a hung parliament, which polls indicate is becoming increasing likely in next month’s federal election.
Both Zimmerman and Renshaw said a hung parliament would be a bad result for Australian voters, with Zimmerman claiming such a situation cost former Prime Minster Julia Gillard her job.
However Labor’s Renshaw said she would welcome Tink’s support should the Opposition be in a position to form government or form policy with her independent rival.
Tink is one of several independent candidates across the country said to be backed by wealthy green industrialist Simon Holmes a Court, including Wentworth’s high profile candidate Allegra Spender.
According to reports prior to the debate, Tink was bankrolled by Holmes a Court to the tune of as much as one third of the $1 million she has raised for her campaign.
However Tink took umbrage when Zimmerman described her as a “Simon Holmes a Court Independent”.
Tink said she wasn’t under the thumb of the well heeled investor but did admit she had met him.
“You’re a Simon Holmes a Court independent, I don’t know how much longer you can be disingenuous about that,” Zimmerman said.
Tink was also annoyed by a suggestion from debate host Laura Jayes that the “teal independents” as many of the Holmes a Court backed candidates and ever other independents have also been referred to as, would “collude” and form a voting block if they were elected to parliament.
Renshaw also hit out at Tink, asking how she could run on a campaign of integrity, while declining to reveal how she would vote if she was elected to office.
In post-debate analysis Sky News’ Political Reporter Andrew Clenell said ‘Holmes a Court independent’ was likely to now become a buzzword for the election campaign moving forward, with increasing focus on the millionaire and his backing of pro-climate change candidates might help his interests in the green energy sector.
That was one of several flashpoints in fast-moving 45 minute debate, at which the candidates were thrown prerecorded questions from votes filmed on the streets of North Sydney.
Read what else was debated in our live blog below.
FEDERAL ELECTION 2022: NORTH SYDNEY DEBATE
3.04pm – Zimmerman’s closing statements
In closing Zimmerman said it had been a great debate.
“I am disappointed at the end of it we are no closer to discovering who Kylea would vote for in a hung parliament,” Zimmerman said.
He said it was more effective to be inside the tent than “throwing stones from outside”.
Tink said she had a lot of respect for her fellow candidates and believed their “hearts were in the right place”.
“But fundamentally when these two people go to Canberra they will toe the party line,” Tink said.
“Trent has the right to cross the floor, which he’s done once in seven years, and Catherine doesn’t even have the right to cross the floor.”
3.03pm – Renshaw questions Tink
Renshaw said it was a bit much for Tink to be running on a campaign of integrity, when at the same time she refused to say who she would side with in the event of a hung parliament.
Tink denied allegations from Jayes that there would be “collusion” between fellow independents, and said she would decide later which way she would vote.
Tink, who denied being a ‘Simon Holmes a Court independent’ said the major parties were “scared” of what the independents offered.
3.01pm – Federal ICAC enters the debate
Now they’re discussing a federal ICAC.
Renshaw praised the NSW model and said Labor had pledged to set one up on a national level “by Christmas”.
3.00pm – Zimmerman doesn’t support Katherine Deves’ comments
Zimmerman was asked if he thinks Katherine Deves be disendorsed.
“I’ve made it very clear I don’t support Katherine Deves’ comments at all,” Zimmerman said.
“I find comments that are transphobic and homophobic very difficult.”
He said it was important that she said apologised and hoped she had the opportunity to sit down with trans people.
“It’s a complex issue, an issue we have the right to discuss but the language being used …” Zimmerman said.
2.56 – Major parties get roasted
Tink chastised the major parties.
“Why do you have to work so hard against one another?,” Tink said.
Tink denied she had voted Liberal her whole life and said she’d voted Liberal “most” of her life.
“Just three more people on the cross bench creates an entirely different conversation in the house of reps,” Tink said.
Renshaw scoffed.
“The country doesn’t need more conversations it needs a strong hand on the steering wheel,” Renshaw said.
She said Labor would provide that direction.
2.55pm – Curly question time
Jayes poses the curly question of how will Tink vote in a hung parliament.
“I think it’s really clear if we’re left in the position of a hung parliament the Australian people made it very clear they are unhappy with both the parties …”
Tink outlined her key policies of a federal ICAC and action on climate change.
“So at the moment its Labor?” Jayes said.
“Yes!” Renshaw fist pumps the air.
“We do not know the make up of the house of reps, we do not know the make up of the Senate,” Tink said before vowing she would vote in line with whoever best furthered the interests of her electorate.
Renshaw interrupts.
“It does seem on big things … that’s the heart of Labor’s plan as well. Even if I’m not fortunate enough to be Labor’s first ever member for North Sydney and it would be the honour of my life, it heartens me to know the Anthony Albanese government would have the support of people like you in Canberra.”
2.52pm – Standing by science
Tink said the emissions targets set by government policy, should she gain office, would be set by “the experts and science”, a rather controversial use of words given how political leaders were attacked during the pandemic for ceding decisions to unelected health bureaucrats.
Renshaw attacked Tink’s position by saying that under the Westminster system, politicians are elected to make decisions and should be held accountable for those decisions.
It was a stance supported by Zimmerman.
2.49pm – Australia is an international pariah: Tink
Tink said our international reputation had been tarnished by climate policy.
“Trent we’re an international pariah when it comes to energy policy,” Tink said.
“The absolute scolding we cop every time an international leader stands up.”
2.47pm – Division on road tax for electric cars
Tink has said she supports a road user tax for electric car users to make up the government revenue shortfall that would come as more people transition to greener vehicles and money from the petrol excise drops.
Zimmerman said he strongly opposes this as it would discourage car users to switch to electric vehicles.
2.45pm – The debate heats up
Renshaw apologised before sledging Zimmerman.
“I’m sorry Trent but members of the National party are running around and telling us net zero by 2050 is dead in the water,” Renshaw said.
Zimmerman countered.
“Thankfully that’s not the government policy,” Zimmerman said.
“I took a position along with a number of my colleagues for net zero by 2050 and we fought really hard for it.”
Tink interrupts.
“Has it been legislated?” Tink asked.
“No because it’s an international commitment,” Zimmerman rebutted.
2.41pm – Tink says we need to move faster on climate
Tink said action on climate change was the number one issue for the constituents she’d spoken to.
“How do we keep planet below 1.5 degrees warming? I think numbers like (emissions targets) get thrown around as distraction points.” Tink said.
“We need to move faster.”
Zimmerman said the party system provide a responsibility to put up fully costed, comprehensive policies.
“Whereas an independent can come along without any of that detail,” Zimmerman said.
2.37pm – Perilous geopolitical situation
Renshaw said she concurred with Zimmerman that there was a “perilous geopolitical” situation to risk the uncertainty of independents.
“I also agree with Trent we need a party with strong economic management at its core,’ Renshaw said.
Renshaw said Labor’s climate change response will not only reduce emissions but is an “economic plan”.
2.35pm – The cost of electric vehicles
Jayes poses a question about electric vehicles.
“Because of the way our market is structured Australia is a pariah,” Tink said.
She said electric vehicle prices were coming down and ignored Jayes when she asked her how much they cost.
2.32pm – Hung parliament is the ‘worst thing’
Zimmerman said the uncertainty of a hung parliament is “the worst thing” that could happen to Australia. He said when considering the state of the world, a strong functioning democratic government is vital.
Zimmerman said that it was his opinion that a hung parliament “cost Julia Gillard her job”. Tink said she feels a hung parliament, can generate more debate.
Labor’s Renshaw said Australia needs “a stable majority government”.
2.29pm – Inflation concerns
The candidates speak about their commitment to maintaining a strong economy.
Renshaw says: “We are being hit with triple whammy – the prices of everything are going up, wages are not and now we’re being hit with an interest rate hike.”
She said Labor had spent their time in opposition “very well” formulating a plan to broaden and deepen the economy.
She said Labor’s plan involves regaining manufacturing sovereignty, cheaper childcare so women can work extra days and contribute to the economy and strengthening the aged care sector.
“I’ve seen the look on the faces of young Australians when I talk to them about Labor’s plan.
“It’s a plan of hope and vision and it’s been a heartening vision.”
2.28pm – Renshaw wants targeted wage rises
Renshaw says its important to have “targeted” wage rises for certain sectors of the economy, including for health care workers, with slow wage growth another key election concern.
2.26pm – Zimmerman says economy is resilient
As the candidates discuss the state of the Australian economy, Zimmerman said the Liberal Party should be commended for its management of the “resilient” Australian economy as it bounces back from the pandemic, despite significant concerns over rapidly rising inflation.
2.22pm – Opening remarks from the candidates
Catherine Renshaw makes her opening remarks.
“I’ve always thought how lucky we are to live here with the best health and education facilities in the country surrounded by beautiful bushland,” Renshaw said.
She said she felt despair since the Liberals took government.
“All that has to change and that’s why I’m running for the Labor Party in the seat,” Renshaw said.
“I’ve never run for office before.
“Since I started this campaign I’ve been hearing from the people in North Sydney they are in fact ready for change and that Labor can be a part of that.”
Trent Zimmerman talked about his deep roots to the North Sydney community and his track record of securing funding for upgrades to local school and projects like the upgrade of the local pool and rejuvenation of the harbour foreshore.
He vowed his commitment to issues that matter in the electorate including action on climate.
“I want to be part of a strong and stable team that continues to work on these issues,” Zimmerman said.
Kylea Tink said politics wasn’t a profession she saw herself entering but she felt compelled to be part of the change.
“I fundamentally believe the two-party system is broken, it’s gridlocked,” Tink said.
“We have two parties unable to work together and collaborate.”
2.15pm – Vital hour for North Sydney
Sky News political reporter Andrew Clennell says this is a vital next hour for Zimmerman. According to Clennell, Liberal sources have told him that Zimmerman faces an uphill battle to retain his seat.
2.10pm – Good vibes at the start
There’s a distinctively collegial feel among the candidates just prior to going live on air with the trio laughing among themselves as they compare wardrobe choices.
It seems they’re a friendly lot in leafy North Sydney.
Let’s see if the good vibes continue as the debate unfolds.
2.00pm – Candidates arrive in North Sydney
The candidates have arrived on a decidedly soggy afternoon in North Sydney and as we count down to the broadcast, the order of the opening remarks is decided.
Labor’s Catherine Renshaw will lead off followed by sitting Liberal member Trent Zimmerman with independent Kylea Tink to go lucky last.
This time instead of a live audience, the Sky News team have hit the streets of North Sydney and asked residents what questions they would like to put to the candidates.
The debate will be hosted by Sky News political reporter Laura Jayes.
1.53pm – Candidates’ final preparation
All our candidates are here in North Sydney quietly putting the finishing touches in their preparation for today’s debate. It is due to kick off very shortly.
1 hour to go - the North Sydney debate with Trent Zimmerman, @KyleaTink, @Renshaw4NthSyd. Live on @SkyNewsAust and streaming for all on the Sky Website. @ljayes moderating. Should be good! pic.twitter.com/X6sjEUTbTU
— Thomas O'Brien (@TJ__OBrien) April 28, 2022
Sure, many voters don't watch the debates but they're important. Greg suggests that Trump ruined televised debates.
— Kylea Tink #TeamTink (@KyleaTink) April 23, 2022
ECONOMY A GROWING ISSUE IN NORTH SYDNEY
Can moderate Liberal Trent Zimmerman fend off challenges from not one but two fierce female candidates in North Sydney?
A Climate 200-commissioned poll by Community Engagement recently revealed Zimmerman had a primary vote of 37.1 per cent compared with neck-and-neck independent Kylea Tink on 19.4 per cent and Labor’s Catherine Renshaw on 17.3 per cent.
The poll, which surveyed 1114 North Sydney voters on April 11 and 12 immediately after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election, also found 8.7 per cent primary vote support for Lynne Saville of The Greens, who has since been replaced as candidate by Heather Armstrong. Either way, today’s debate is sure to help out North Sydney voters decide who they want to have as their next federal representative.
The other main takeaway from the poll was the issues most important to constituents in the blue-ribbon seat.
The top result was climate change at 27.2 per cent, followed by the economy at 19.7 per cent, trust in politicians at 16.2 per cent and cost of living at 12.6 per cent.
Constituents also named national security (10.2 per cent), health and aged care (6.9 per cent), and education and training (2.2 per cent) as their primary concerns.
The one-hour forum will be hosted by Sky News’s Laura Jayes Political Reporter and Chief Election Analyst Tom Connell
It was another robust encounter on the back of last week’s feisty debate in Wentworth between incumbent Liberal Dave Sharma and independent Allegra Spender, during which Sharma accused his opposite of ‘plucking numbers out of thin air’ when it come to her climate change policies.
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