Media release – Voices of Franklin, 2 Dec 2024
Voices of Franklin leader challenges Julie Collins MP to public debate
Voices of Franklin (VoF) convenor, Stephen Williams, has challenged federal Franklin MP, Julie Collins, to a public debate ahead of the next federal election.
Mr Williams sent the invitation to Collins on 1 December, saying the debate could be at a place and time of her choosing.
He suggested a subject along the lines of “what makes a good federal MP” – which Collins, the local member since 2007, should be an expert in by now.
Mr Williams said the nation was at a critical juncture with many interlinked crises causing great harm to society – with no obvious answers coming from Collins or the ALP.
“The voters of Franklin deserve to know what Collins intends to do as the next election looms and voters grow frustrated with the self-serving major parties.
“She has been the local member for almost 20 years, with very little to show for it except her failed experiment as housing minister.
“Can she explain how her vote in parliament, determined by her party bosses in other states who are keen to please their donors, helps the people of Franklin?
“We can compare that to how independent MP for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, votes – each of his votes is a conscience vote for the people of Clark.
“As a result, Wilkie is the second-most popular MP in the nation, based on his last election result.”
