Liberal Candidate Anthony Marsh has withdrawn from a booked-out Nepean candidates forum after attendee questions were sent to candidates, with forum organiser Julie telling STPL News Marsh’s team pulled out about an hour after receiving three direct questions for the Liberal candidate.
Marsh had been listed as a confirmed participant in the Nepean Candidates Forum at & Gallery on Thursday 23 April, with Suzanne Jones of Sorrento News named as facilitator.
But in an email sent to candidates on 21 April, an organiser advised Marsh had withdrawn from the event.
Julie told STPL News she considered the withdrawal disrespectful to those who had booked to attend.
Very disrespectful to 100+ attendees who booked to see the candidates.
She also said candidates were still welcome to take part.
The candidates are more than welcome to still participate.
Marsh Withdraws After Questions Sent
Julie confirmed to STPL News that Marsh’s team withdrew about an hour after receiving candidate questions submitted by attendees.
Three direct questions sent to Marsh and seen by STPL News raised issues around his record as a three-term mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire, deteriorating local roads, the stalled Rosebud Hospital rebuild, the appointment of state government monitors to the shire and campaign material described by one attendee as misleading.
Other questions submitted ahead of the forum were broader in nature and directed to the candidates collectively.
With Marsh now withdrawn, those questions will not be put to him at the sold-out public forum.
Why The Questions Mattered
The questions went directly to issues that have already drawn public scrutiny during Marsh’s campaign and time in local government.
Marsh has served as mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, where state-appointed monitors were brought in during his watch. STPL News has previously reported on the significance of that intervention and the questions it raised around governance at the shire.
STPL News has also reported on a Transport Victoria investigation into unauthorised road works featured in Marsh’s political stunt videos during the campaign.
Campaign material distributed during the by-election targeting other candidates has also become part of the political backdrop to the contest, making the forum an opportunity for voters to hear direct answers in a public setting.
One attendee question asked why voters should believe roads and the Rosebud Hospital rebuild would now be addressed when those concerns had already been raised during Marsh’s time leading the shire.
Another asked why voters should trust Marsh in Parliament when state-appointed monitors were appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire during his mayoral tenure.
A further question challenged campaign material described by the attendee as deliberately misleading and underhanded, asking whether Marsh was authorising his own election material or whether it was being authorised by the Liberal Party.
Other Candidates Still Fronting
Suzanne Jones, veteran journalist and founder of Sorrento News, said Marsh’s withdrawal was disappointing, but credit should go to the candidates still willing to front voters. She also said she looked forward to hearing what the remaining candidates had to say.
The forum had been promoted as booked out, with organisers stating it would be live streamed on Sorrento News social media platforms.
As of publication, Marsh had not publicly provided a reason for his withdrawal.
Marsh had originally been listed alongside Tracee Hutchison, Darren Hercus, Siana Healy, Peter Angelico and Reade Smith as confirmed participants. Milton Wilde and Renee Thompson were listed as invited.
The organiser email also indicated Darren Hercus had withdrawn. Speaking to STPL News, Hercus said he did not believe attending would benefit his campaign and said prospective voters could contact him directly with questions.
I did not believe it would be of any benefit to my campaign. If any prospective voter has any questions, they can reach out to me directly.
SURPRISE!!!!!