Chris Bowen and Meryl Swanson Dodge Nelson Bay Energy Debate—Leaving Locals Frustrated

When it comes to Australia’s energy future, you’d think the country’s Energy Minister and the local MP would show up to answer some tough questions. But that wasn’t the case last night in Port Stephens, where Chris Bowen and Meryl Swanson were nowhere to be seen at a major energy debate.

Locals packed the room, eager to hear where our leaders stand on skyrocketing power bills, the future of coal, and Australia’s energy security. But instead of fronting up to the people they represent, Bowen and Swanson simply didn’t show. No explanation. No message. Just empty chairs.