Secretary of the Goulburn and District Unions Jane Cotter told the Post the turnout was well above expectations, with 70 people filling the Goulburn Room at the Soldiers Club.

“It was really very, very good,” she said.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout and the atmosphere was great.”

All candidates but four appeared on the night - Liberal candidate Angus Taylor, Greens hopeful Zaza Chevalier, Palmer-United’s Jason Cornelius and Citizens Electoral Council’s Lindsay Cosgrove did not attend.

Unions NSW Community Organiser Alison Rahill said all the candidates present were more than obliging to questions asked of them.

“There’s certainly a camaraderie amongst the candidates… everyone is participating in good spirit,” she said.

The two-minute limit on questions and answers allowed for a broad range of topics to be covered from local employment to education, health and workers’ compensation.

“There was quite a bit of discussion amongst the candidates about the issue of Angus and the Liberals taking the seat for granted,” Ms Rahill said.