Former Labor candidate for Calare, Dr Jess Jennings, has organised the Federal Budget forum. 

Dr Jennings said the forum will feature expert analysis, and will be followed by an audience Q and A to better understand what the budget means for Bathurst.

The panellists will be Mr Bowen (pictured), Reliance Credit Union CEO Mark Genovese, and Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, a political scientist at Charles Sturt University. 

“The local Federal Member for Calare, The Hon John Cobb, was invited for the third year running but again declined the invitation to speak, observe or send a replacement,” Dr Jennings said.

He said each speaker would be given approximately 10 minutes to present their view of the Federal Budget handed down a month ago by Treasurer Joe Hockey in Canberra.

“When I lived in Sydney I got used to seeing high profile speakers in the flesh on all sorts of topics, but when I moved to Bathurst I found it wasn’t so easy to search up a public debate and get along,” Dr Jennings said.

“I’ve always enjoyed hearing ideas straight from the horse’s mouth, just like The Sydney Institute has offered for many years.

“I’m keen to support good quality public discussion and that means getting expert speakers with informed views, regardless of the topic, and it’s great to have Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and Mark Genovese join us for the second year running.

“This is probably the fifth or sixth public forum I’ve run in Bathurst and I’m looking forward to seeing what the panel has to say come Tuesday night, and especially to hearing from the audience during question time.”

He said it is essential to RSVP by calling or texting 0423 224 750.

The budget forum will run from 6pm-8pm at Panthers Leagues Club on Tuesday, June 9.