March 5, 2008

Nats and Labor battle for values vote at Easterfest

God is neither Labor nor Nationals — but that won’t stop two Federal Parliamentarians from talking about how faith impacts their politics at Easterfest in Toowoomba.

From opposite sides of the political fence, high profile Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce and new Rudd Government MP Shayne Neumann will talk about how Christianity informs their approach to public policy.

The Easterfest political forum, which will be facilitated by the Australian Christian Lobby, will take place on Easter Saturday from 12.50 pm at the Cafe stage.

Shayne Neumann is the newly elected member for Blair, based in Ipswich.

In his Maiden Speech to Parliament last month, he said: “I am a Christian. To paraphrase the Prime Minister: my faith is the compass which grounds my life. I have been deeply affected by leaders whose concerns were not just for the spiritual wellbeing but for the material improvement of humankind.”

Since entering the Senate in 2005, Senator Joyce has also been outspoken about his faith. He has championed the rights of the unborn, campaigned for restricting the inappropriate use of market power by big business and the right to a fair trial for former Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks.

During the forum, both men will be quizzed about a range of social justice and moral issues confronting Australia’s political life.

For further information contact Phil Smith, Easterfest Media Centre Coordinator, on 0414 823 125 or (07) 3882 3490.