Media Release: Coal Australia Powers Local Debate with Federal Election Candidates in Hunter and Paterson

Coal Australia’s CEO Stuart Bocking moderated the event, which was hosted at Club Singleton in front of around 100 voters. 

“The event provided locals with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on their plans to tackle cost of living pressures, the importance of coal in the energy security debate, and how policy decisions will impact jobs, housing affordability, and regional development in their communities”, Mr Bocking said.

Labor MPs Dan Repacholi and Meryl Swanson fielded questions on their respective electorates, alongside challengers in Hunter including Sue Gilroy from the Nationals, Louise Stokes from the Greens, Suellen Wrightson with Trumpet of Patriots, Paul Farrelly from Family First, and One Nation’s Stuart Bonds and Arnon Wither who’s contesting Paterson. 

Cost of living and energy security were central themes of the evening. Suellen Wrightson described net zero and the renewable energy sector as “crazy”, calling for a “burn, baby, burn” approach to coal-fired power generation. Arnon Wither echoed this with his view that “green policies” are damaging the economy – a stance supported by Paul Farrelly.

In contrast, Greens candidate Louise Stokes contended that “to think the coal belongs to us is arrogant”. Dan Repacholi highlighted that most developed countries around the world have set net zero targets, adamant that the push towards net zero does not mean the end of coal.

On the issue of offshore wind turbines, which are controversial in coastal seats like Paterson, Meryl Swanson emphasised that these projects “have to stack up”.

Sue Gilroy highlighted the broader challenges she says families are facing under the Albanese government, stating they are "fighting to put food on the table, struggling to pay bills, and even finding it hard to plan for the future".

Mr Bocking posed a range of questions from attendees, and said candidates engaged with each other in a respectful manner that added to the quality of the local debate.

Coal Australia is hosting further Meet the Candidates events across regional New South Wales and Queensland – the next one is in Shellharbour on 15 April with candidates covering the Whitlam and Cunningham electorates.