UNI CONSIDERS TRADITIONAL POLITICAL DEBATES
NOTRE Dame University will consider a more ‘traditional’ candidates debate in the lead up to the federal government election this year.
The move follows its highly criticised debate at the Fremantle university on February 19 when organisers staged a game show-like event in which absent candidates running in the state election on March 8 were replaced with Halloween props, a seagull and fake marijuana joint.
“We’re probably going to have another debate locally for the federal election,” executive dean and co-organiser Martin Drum told StreetWise today.
Asked whether the format will be closely scrutinised following the level of profanity and disorder in the packed hall on February 19, he said: “In one respect the format won’t change because we tend to give all candidates the opportunity to make opening statements and finish up.
“It might be a bit more traditional.”
Professor Drum responded to Ms Marija Vujcic’s letter yesterday on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell who attended the Tannock Hall debate described as a bias sham in which the VC was not introduced or invited to say a few words on behalf of the university.
He told StreetWise he was disappointed profound issues facing Fremantle were not debated including crisis housing, homelessness and the future of the working port which none of the candidates spoke to.
Also missing was half of the eight candidates invited to the debate, “we need all the candidates to stand up. We’re missing some important voices there”.
Professor Drum said there are plenty of Liberal supporters in Fremantle who had they attended could have ensured a more balanced debate when most issues dealt with fracking in the Kimberley and vaccines.
Liberal candidate Serena Kipling and Australian Christians Peter Watt told StreetWise they declined the invitation because they were expecting a hostile crowd but in Mr Watt’s case offered to send a written statement but was rejected by co-organiser Michael Barker.
Professor Drum told StreetWise on February 28 at https://www.streetwisemedia.com.au/candidates-debate-offends-catholic-values/ the role of the university was to provide a forum for debate and discussion on issues affecting the Fremantle community: “We have had candidates who say all sorts of ridiculous stuff and their candidates, and that’s pluralism.”
He said it would be undemocratic to censor their opinions. Which is fine but why make fun of those candidates who sent apologies? Mr Watt was deeply offended as he told StreetWise on March 1 at https://www.streetwisemedia.com.au/candidates-question-notre-dame-role/.
Professor Drum also ‘believes’ the VC was introduced and that there was, “no offence taken in this respect.” Only the VC can answer that.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus was MC and told StreetWise that Ms Vujcic was lashing out over a court case she lost and “was not in the best place”.
She said she, “absolutely did welcome the VC as per my exact words. And if I had forgotten, which I didn’t, that’s not something worth getting your knickers in a knot over”.
Additional stories at www.streetwisemedia.com.au.
