Liberal MP Elizabeth Miller defends her decision not to attend candidate forums
BENTLEIGH state Liberal MP Elizabeth Miller has been accused of hiding from the public after refusing to attend a pre-election candidates forum.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
BENTLEIGH state Liberal MP Elizabeth Miller has been accused of hiding from the public after refusing to attend a pre-election candidates forum.
But Ms Miller said such a forum was premature because not all candidates had been declared yet.
Organisers of the Q & A session cancelled the event, and Glen Eira councillor Jim Magee said it was “very disappointing given that it is the seat that will effectively decide the election”.
Labor and Greens candidates vying for the Bentleigh seat had both accepted.
Ms Miller hit back at her critics, saying a candidates forum “implies that all candidates will be present”.
“This can only occur once nominations have closed and the Victorian Electorate Commission has confirmed the identity of all candidates.
“I will be delighted to discuss the Victorian Coalition Government’s vision for a second term in regards to public transport, health, education and sustainable financial management once we know who all the candidates are.”
Labor candidate for Bentleigh Nick Staikos, who is speaking at a public transport forum next month, said Ms Miller should be there to join that debate also.
“An MP has to be engaged with the community and Elizabeth Miller isn’t, she’s running away,” he said.
Caulfield state Liberal MP David Southwick will appear at the Glen Eira Town Hall forum on September 10.
Ms Miller didn’t respond to Leader’s questions over the transport forum.
WAS ELIZABETH MILLER RIGHT TO REFUSE TO ATTEND? TELL US BELOW