The Post hosted a meet the candidates forum for the Davidson Electorate on the 16th of March, which served as an opportunity, largely missed by many, to hear first-hand their candidates’ responses to issues such as the cost of living, wage caps on public servants and questions The Post had prepared.

Caroline Atkinson (Greens), Janine Kitson (Independent), Karyn Edelstein (Labor) and Matt Cross (Liberal) were in attendance.

The Post asked the candidates three questions surrounding issues in the Davidson Electorate:

1. Do you support the refurbishment of Marian Street Theatre? How would you assist in funding it?
2. How will you advocate for the preservation of Davidson’s bushland and greenery?
3. Having seen these issues firsthand, what will you do to address the transport and infrastructure issues at St Ives High?

“I’m tired of the allegations of pork-barreling by the NSW governments and the announcements they’re making on the eve of the election”.

Independent candidate, Janine Kitson, did not hold back. She confidently addressed issues that attendees raised and questioned the answers that her fellow candidates had given.

This is especially evident, when Liberal candidate, Matt Cross, was asked by a self-funded retiree, “In regard to the cost of living, can you detail one policy that you will put forward to address it?” Matt Cross responded by referring him to the Service NSW App for assistance, as well as recommending the NSW-Active-Kids Vouchers that the Liberal Party have introduced. To reiterate, this man is a self-funded retiree – was this an answer to his question? The audience didn’t seem to think so.

Other older attendees also made the point that they struggle with technology.

Janine Kitson hit back again stating, “I’m sick and tired of being told to go and use the app. I want someone on the end of the line, helping me with my concerns”.

A community member asked Matt Cross a recurring question across the community; what do the Liberals plan to do about the female under-representation in the party - considering Matt was awarded the seat of Davidson over senior Liberal Party Member, Natalie Ward?

He responded by saying, “I’m a man, I represent intergenerational change” followed with a short answer that had no relation to the question.

Labor Candidate, Karyn Edelstein, was confident in her responses. She is clearly aware of her party’s policies as well as community concerns. As opposing parties tend to do, Karyn was quick to point out Liberal Party flaws and Labor’s plans to fix them.

Greens Candidate, Caroline Atkinson, is clearly aware of community issues; one example was when she stood firm on the issue of rezoning and high-rise development in Davidson. “There’s a slight slip in the rezoning in this area,” Caroline said, “this is something we need to keep an eye on.” She responded to all questions with a combination of references to her party’s policies, her own values and a sense of relatability, which is what the community really needs.

Overall, the event reflected that there are strong female candidates up for Davidson; they know what they stand for and seem to have the community’s interests at heart.