Federal Election 2022: Indi debate sees candidates all agree on one big policy issue

Local candidates in the marginal seat of Indi have faced off in a live debate which saw them all reach agreement on one important priority for Albury-Wodonga.

A push for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has united candidates in the contest for Indi at the Herald Sun’s first federal election debate.

The online forum hosted by Joe Hildebrand on Thursday night gave voters an opportunity to grill the candidates over their pitch to represent Victoria’s northeast.

Independent MP Helen Haines, who holds the rural seat on a 1.4 per cent margin, went head to head with Liberal candidate Ross Lyman and Nationals candidate Liz Fisher on issues including an integrity commission, aged care reforms, the economy and rural infrastructure.

But it was a question about funding for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital that put them all on a unity ticket.

Dr Haines said she was committed to fighting for a new hospital, calling on the federal and state governments to step up, because it was “crucial” for health workers and the people in the region.

Mr Lyman also revealed he was part of a team calling on the Victorian government to release the master plan so the community can understand what is needed and if it’s going to cost $1bn.

Asked if elected, could he guarantee that the hospital will get the funding it needs, Mr Lyman said “absolutely”.

“There’s a critical need for health services on the border,” he said.

Ms Fisher said the Nationals would not only fight for money for the hospital but health services across the electorate.

Subscribers were able to participate in the live audience Q&A below (visible only when logged in). Here is what they asked.

In what was a civil affair, Dr Haines was also confronted over Climate 200’s endorsement of her campaign, but said it was the community who had endorsed her.

“I work for the people of Indi. I don’t work for any party boss. I don’t look for endorsements outside of the people that I work for here,” she said.

Dr Haines was also asked who she would support if there is a hung parliament following the May 21 poll.

“I’ll sit down with both sides and talk to them about what their priorities are,” she said.

“But clearly, for me, a very very strong and robust federal integrity commission is a must.”

She said an anti-corruption watchdog was needed to prevent the rorting of grant programs and pork barrelling in marginal seats.

Independent MP Helen Haines holds the seat on a 1.4 per cent margin. Picture: Gary Ramage

But Mr Lyman announcements in last month’s federal budget for ongoing infrastructure projects were about “getting the job done”.

Ms Fisher also seized on Dr Haines’ comments to warn about the dangers of a hung parliament, saying more members on the crossbench would make it “dysfunctional”.

With three weeks to go until polling day, the candidates also spoke about the fallout from the bushfires and Covid.

Mr Lyman said he wanted to attract more businesses to the region, while Ms Fisher said more backpackers would help workforce shortages across the tourism and agriculture industries.

Dr Haines wanted the Building Better Regions fund to improve tourism infrastructure including better NBN coverage.

Liberal candidate for Indi Ross Lyman. Picture: Supplied