He was the only declared candidate to show up, so the forum consisted of him answering questions about the party’s view on issues such as education, voluntary assisted dying, gambling and housing.
The hour-long forum kept the crowd of 16 fairly animated — except for the assistance dog in the front row, who occasionally lapsed into snoring.
Mr Bryant said he supported regulated voluntary assisted dying, admitted being tempted to gamble, acknowledged his Aboriginal heritage and said the party would restore access to natural gas supply for new houses.
He resisted the temptation to dump on his absent political opponents and neither did the chairman of the evening, Pastor David Putnam.
Dr Putnam quoted from the Bible: “But seek the welfare of the city, where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf for its welfare...” and reminded the forum that the church did not endorse a particular candidate or party.
Mr Bryant responded to five pre-prepared questions, including one about faith-based schools, and he indicated One Nation wanted to remove ‘gender ideology’ from schools and give church schools the freedom to appoint staff who followed church teaching.
He criticised DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies and said the party supported income splitting to give families some tax relief.
He shied from giving financial commitments or spending plans, saying the party wanted a forensic examination of Victoria’s accounts to get a better understanding of the state’s true condition.
Mr Bryant railed against government red tape, which he said was working against boosting the housing supply.
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