Debate next week

Toowoomba North candidates will go head to head on Monday

TOOWOOMBA North residents will have the chance to get to know the candidates vying to represent them as News Corp, the publishers of this masthead, host a series of debates getting to the core of the issues that will influence voters in the state election.

The 40 debates began this week, with the Toowoomba North debate between Labor candidate Megan O’Hara Sullivan and incumbent LNP MP Trevor Watts to be held next Monday at 6.30pm.

The debate will be hosted and moderated by The Chronicle reporter Tobi Loftus.

Editor Steve Etwell said it was vital for voters to be armed with the knowledge they need on their local candidates ahead of the October 31 poll.

“This is not just about the two leaders.

“It is important for voters to have the chance to get to know the people who want to represent them,” he said.

“Regional Queensland will play a pivotal role in this election and these debates will help inform voters of what the key issues are in their electorate and where the candidates stand on those issues.”

The Chronicle is also seeking reader input into the debate, with Mr Etwell calling on readers to submit their questions for candidates.

Both major parties will have a lot on the line as they battle it out to win the first ever fixed four-year term in Queensland’s history.

The election comes amid a COVID-induced recession, with issues like jobs and infrastructure expected to be at the top of the agenda across the state.

Locally, issues such as the new Toowoomba Hospital, road infrastructure, water security and the New Acland Coal Mine stage three expansion are expected to get the most airtime this state election campaign.

The Greens are expected to unveil their candidates for Toowoomba South and Toowoomba North later this week.

The state election comes as a federal by-election process is also under way for the seat of Groom after the resignation of John McVeigh.

To ask a question to the Toowoomba North candidates, email a question by 6pm Sunday to: toowoomba@news.com.au