Victorian election 2022: Greens call for regional Vic debate

Greens leader Samantha Ratnam has called for a three-cornered debate with Dan Andrews and Matt Guy in regional Victoria.

Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam has called for a three-cornered debate with the Premier and Opposition Leader ahead of this month’s state election.

And she says at least one televised debate with Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy needs to be held in regional Victoria.

So far no debate has been scheduled between the party leaders, with the Premier dodging questions about whether he would participate.

“Recent polling has made clear that a record number of voters are moving away from the major parties in favour of parties like the Greens,” Ms Ratnam said.

“This is because Victorians are tired of the stale and outdated two-party system. Political debate dominated by two men shouting at each other should be a thing of the past.”

Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam. Picture: David Crosling

A three-lectern debate in state election contests has occurred before, with the last taking place in the 2018 South Australian campaign between Jay Weatherill, Steve Marshall and third party challenger Nick Xenophon.

Mr Xenophon’s inclusion was due to his high poll ratings at the time and the Greens have notched up double figures in Victorian polling for some time.

SA Liberal leader Steven Marshall (right), SA-BEST leader Nick Xenophon and SA Labor Premier Jay Weatherill (left) during the final debate, the Sky News people's forum, in 2018

“We need to open up our leadership debates to include parties like the Greens, so voters can hear what a strong, progressive cross-bench would fight for in the next Parliament, and how they’d hold the government to account,” Ms Ratnam said.

“These debates should also be held in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, so communities across the state can participate in the election and hear from parties about the issues important to them.”

Mr Andrews and Mr Guy faced off twice during the 2018 Victorian election.

The first encounter between the Labor premier and Liberal leader was in a Sky News forum at Frankston while the second face-off was on ABC radio moderated by Jon Faine.

Asked over the weekend whether he would participate in a 2022 election debate, Mr Andrews said it was “a matter for the party.”

“I don’t know there is a hold-up,” the Premier said. “But I don’t negotiate those matters, the party will do that.”

Mr Guy said he was happy to take part in a televised debate.

“We’ve said yes and as far as we’re concerned, over to my opponents,” the Coalition leader said over the weekend.