The Candidates’ Debate last Saturday night on climate change was reasonably well-attended (around 80), but given our membership (about 200), I was disappointed that there were not more to demonstrate to the candidates that climate change is the issue that must go to the top of their agenda.

The candidates performed well, with dignity and discipline, and none of their supporters would have felt let down. All would make better parliamentarians than some of the ones we already have, so I don’t think that, in general terms, the Goulburn electorate can lose in this election.

However, on the issue of climate change, the debate identified those who fully understand the seriousness of the matter, and those who are merely playing the political game. All did their homework reasonably well but, of the five candidates, only two showed any real passion for tackling the problem. Whereas, before the debate, I really had no idea for whom I would vote, after the debate it was clear that only Bill Dorman and Rob Parker are serious about tackling global warming as a matter of urgency. Only these two showed the passion, commitment and understanding of the issue that we, the voters, need in our politicians.

Bill made a telling point in his summary when he suggested that, though he has little if any chance of winning, a first preference for the Green candidate will send a message to the major parties that the voters expect action on the environment. Then you can vote for a likely winner with your second preference, thus making your vote count twice. He was also the only candidate to tackle the coal issue.

Rob’s big point was the need to de-politicise climate change action. Because the necessary steps are going to include some very unpopular ones, no one party will dare to act for fear of the opposition taking advantage of potential voter backlash. He proposed a national climate change authority with power to regulate. He missed the opportunity to remind us that our best chance of effective representation, in what looks to be another Labour government in this state, is ensure that our elected representative is a member of the Labour caucus.

I previously had heard Paul Stephenson and Pru Goward before coming into the debate and had been impressed with their ability to think on their feet and their grasp of the issues. They did not let me down on this score.

I had never met Geoff Peet, and was pleasantly surprised by his obvious ability and his concern that, whatever, is done, it be done right. It was unfortunate that he chose to mention that the earth was created 8000 years ago. He is certainly entitled to his religious beliefs, but there was no need to say it, and he lost most of the audience at this point. Afterward, this seemed to be the main thing that people remembered about his performance. Geoff, take this as a lesson for the future.

Thanks to the all the candidates, to the small team that helped to organise, set up and clean up afterward, and to everyone who participated.

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