Victoria’s hot seats LIVE updates: Far-right agitators crash Kooyong forum as fists fly; Fake reviews and a bewildered family: a close look at Zahid Safi’s businesses

Candidates' Forum in Kooyong

A forum on refugee and asylum seeker policies in Kooyong, Australia, saw participation from independent MP Monique Ryan, Labor candidate Clive Crosby, and Greens candidate Jackie Carter, but notably absent was the Liberal Party candidate, Amelia Hamer. The event, hosted by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), was largely focused on the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

Disruption and Controversy

The forum experienced a moment of tension when an anti-lockdown campaigner and far-right agitator, Harrison McLean, questioned Monique Ryan's political integrity regarding an incident involving her husband and a campaign sign. This led to a rebuke from the ASRC CEO, who emphasized the forum's focus on refugees.

Candidates' Stances

• Monique Ryan: Critiqued Australia's increasingly punitive asylum-seeker policies, calling for an end to indefinite detention and greater access to services.
• Clive Crosby: Highlighted changes under the Albanese government, including increased humanitarian intake and abolishing temporary protection visas, while expressing concern about rising far-right extremism.
• Jackie Carter: Called for a complete end to offshore detention and an increase in Australia's humanitarian intake to 50,000.

The forum provided a platform for discussion on key issues in Australia's refugee policy, highlighting differing viewpoints and concerns among candidates.