GREENS members met in Coniston on Sunday afternoon to begin deciding who will be the Greens Senate candidates for NSW in the next federal election.

The Greens have held several forums in locations across NSW to give party members the chance to scrutinise election hopefuls. This forum was for the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Highlands, and Macarthur regions.

“The Greens really are practicing what we preach – every member gets to participate in the democratic process,” Illawarra Greens convener Brendan Cook said.

“The Greens Senate candidates for the next federal election will be directly chosen by our members.

“This is because the Greens are committed to real grassroots democracy where everyone gets to have a say – not just the big corporations and backroom dealmakers.

“Our members were given the chance to quiz nine candidates on everything from public education to disadvantage in Aboriginal communities.”

The successful candidate will lead the Greens Senate ticket for NSW in the next federal election.

The Illawarra Greens will also democratically select candidates for the seats of Cunningham and Throsby before the next federal election.