Federal Candidates take centre stage at Committee forum
A crowd of 220 business leaders, local government, community members and politicians gathered at Mornington Racecourse on 14 February to hear directly from the major federal candidates from the Mornington Peninsula ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
More than 220 people attended the Committee's form at Mornington Racecourse on 14 February, 2025.
Moderated by Patricia Karvelas – host of ABC Q&A; the forum saw Dunkley and Flinders candidates have respectful conversations about key local issues – with more than 300 people tuning in online to the RPPFM livestream.
The event was facilitated by the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula; the region’s peak advocacy body made up of organisations from local government, healthcare, education providers, medium to large businesses, manufacturing leaders and tourism pioneers.
All major candidates attended the forum, including Jodie Belyea MP (ALP) and Zoe McKenzie MP (LIB), along with Nathan Conroy (LIB), Sarah Race (ALP) and Ben Smith (IND).
The Dunkley conversation touched on important local and national issues, including cost of living challenges, housing, the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre plan, crisis support funding, and gambling reform.
The Flinders discussion canvassed key issues including energy and the environment, leadership, skills shortages, small business challenges,
and infrastructure priorities.
CEO of Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula, Josh Sinclair, said the forum helped bring the national political stage to our region and focus on how both electorates will help shape the national result on election night.
The Committee would like to thank our key members, Australian Unity, Bayport, Bluescope, Esso, Frankston RSL, Gazzola Farms, Macpherson Kelley, Melbourne Racing Club, Peninsula Hot Springs, Ritchies, Searoad Ferries, The National, Chisholm Institute, Frankston City Council, Monash University, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Peninsula Health, Port of Hastings and South East Water.
Members of the community can watch the discussion online, for free, at here.
The federal election is expected to be held by May this year, and the committee will work closely with both local governments on key advocacy priorities for federal funding that will enhance liveability across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
