Riverina federal election 2019: Voters voice concerns at 'meet the candidates' Q&A forum

A 'meet the candidates' forum gave people an opportunity to pose questions to the candidates, who are running in this year's federal election.

Labor candidate Mark Jeffreson, United Australia Party candidate Richard Foley and Greens candidate Michael Bayles were present on Monday night.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and National Party candidate Michael McCormack did not attend.

The candidates' responses were met by a vocal crowd in both agreement and disagreement, throughout the night.

The forum started with a question about the three key issues affecting the electorate, which Mr Foley responded with the cost of living, energy prices and lack of industry for jobs.

Mr Jeffreson agreed that cost of living was a serious problem as well as, the funding for schools and hospitals.

Mr Bayles said the city's hot summer was the reason he put his name forward. He said his party aimed to reduce the cost of higher education and essential services.

The subject of climate change was a hot discussion point of the night where each candidate answered questions about their party's policies in relation to the matter.

The candidates were also asked about their position on global warming as a science and their party's drought policy and vision for transitioning rural Australia.

The candidates were also asked about what the younger generation could do to know that their opinions are valued.

The question was in response to Mr McCormack's comments last week about young people being a big problem for this election because they did not experience a recession.

Mr Jeffreson wished Mr McCormack was there to respond because young people face a range of problems such as penalty rate cuts and the casualisation of jobs.

Mr Bayles and Mr Foley encouraged young voters to ask questions and make an informed decision based on party policies.

The candidates were also queried about franking credits, the funding of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, party policies to protect workers and the state of Australian aged-care facilities.

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