Groom votes: Toowoomba Business Networkers denies conflict of interest after president backs independent Suzie Holt

A Toowoomba business group behind a series of election forums over the next week has denied any bias, after it was revealed its president is supporting a particular candidate.

Toowoomba Business Networkers president Robin Grundon.

The president of a small local business group organising several federal election candidate forums has denied any conflict of interest after it was revealed he was a strong supporter of an independent.

Several candidates have expressed concerns around the impartiality of four confirmed forums organised by Toowoomba Business Networkers over the next two weeks in Oakey, Toowoomba, Westbrook and Highfields.

The group’s president Robin Grundon confirmed he was supporting Suzie Holt.

Sitting MP Garth Hamilton, his Labor opponent Gen Allpass and independent Kirstie Smolenski all confirmed they would not be attending any of the forums.

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce pulled the TBN group from its advertising for the upcoming election event on Thursday night following the revelation.

In a letter to candidates, chamber CEO Todd Rohl said the decision was based on the organisation wishing to appear apolitical.

“We advised the president of the TBN that his actions impact on our value of fiercely protecting our independence,” he said.

“The outcome is Toowoomba Business Networks will not have any promotion or marketing or speaking opportunities at the event on April 28, and we will not have any of our material at their arranged events.”

Mr Grundon said the TBN’s forums would all be independently moderated, dismissing the allegations as “politically naive”.

“It is fiercely independent and impartial, it has nothing to do with personal associations,” he said.

“This is politically naive that candidates feel threatened by my association with a particular candidate.”

Ms Holt said Mr Grundon was not involved at all with her campaign, apart from hosting one of her signs outside his house.

“The debates are once again an opportunity for candidates to put together their views on key issues — I would like all candidates to join me in debate, no matter who is organising,” she said.

“I can say quite openly that these sorts of petty politics are not helpful because people are tired of divisive politics.”

The first forum was held in Oakey on Tuesday, with the second to be held at Club Toowoomba on Friday night and the third on May 9 at Westbrook Hall.

A fourth, run in conjunction with the Highfields Chamber of Commerce, will be held at Highfields State School on May 5.

Originally published as Groom votes: Toowoomba Business Networkers denies conflict of interest after president backs independent Suzie Holt