LAURA JAYES
LOCAL SPORT
EXTRA TIME
ELECTION IS ABBOTT’S TO LOSE
pages 71 to 80
rugby league mag inside
PAGE 15 – IS KEVIN RUDD GONE?
JESSICA FOX MAKES HISTORY
SEASON ON THE LINE
AUGUST 23 2013 ISSUE 1117
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT CIRCULATION: 59,069
THE HEARTBEAT OF PENRITH
TOP BILLING With the season just around the corner, Penrith Cricket Club has announced one of the most significant player signings in its 40 year history, securing the services of emerging English star Sam Billings. The 22-year-old top-order batsman and wicket keeper, who hails from the famous county team Kent, will be a welcome addition to Penrith’s fi rst grade side, which shapes as being one of the strongest in years.
PAGE 78
Unfriendly fire David Bradbury and Fiona Scott before the debate. Insets: Ms Scott and Mr Bradbury during Tuesday’s event. Photos: Melinda Jane.
THANK YOU, BEN Popular policeman’s last day on the job PAGE 11
Lindsay candidates face off in major election debate
D
on’t let the smiling faces and handshake fool you – just two hours after this photo was taken, Labor’s David Bradbury and the Coalition’s Fiona Scott went head to head in an intense 90 minute debate where it was clear that no love is lost between them. Presented by The Western Weekender and broadcast live across the nation on Foxtel, the debate at Penrith RSL featured discussion on a range of topics including education, small business, investment in Penrith, disability care, asylum seekers and the carbon tax. The debate got heated at times, prompting Ms Scott to at one stage declare: “David, just keep
talking, just keep talking. That’s what you’ve done all night so, just keep talking.” She later said to the audience: “I hope that you’ve learnt very well about scare campaigning 101 from the current Member for Lindsay.” But in the main, the two candidates handled themselves well under extraordinary pressure in the middle of the fight for their political lives. Mr Bradbury is desperately trying to retain a seat that many polls suggest is already lost, whilst Ms Scott knows this could be her second and last chance to grab Lindsay for the Coalition. So, who won the debate? According to an SMS vote conducted in the
hours after the debate, 65 per cent of people split across the audience in the room and the television viewership believed Ms Scott won the debate. 35 per cent said Mr Bradbury was victorious. On social media, opinions were split. “Excellent representation on all matters from David Bradbury at this ‘debate’,” one post on Facebook said. Another said: “You did yourself and us proud Fiona, very polished lady indeed.” The candidates were asked questions from a local panel as well as the audience. More debate coverage: Pages 3, 4, 5.
CUP’S COMING Iconic sporting trophy to visit Penrith PAGE 30
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