THE man most likely to be the next member for Albury will be doing animal consultations when a candidates' election forum is held on Saturday March 2.
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Liberal Party candidate Justin Clancy said work commitments meant he could not attend the event organised by Reproductive Rights Rural NSW representative Liz Marmo.
The East Albury veterinarian said he had been obliged since January to work a shift on March 2 and the invitation to the forum on that day only came in early February.
"I appreciate the engagement and dialogue but I had a prior commitment and have extended an apology," Dr Clancy said.
"There has been a level of comment made against me because I'm not available to attend, I think that is unfortunate."
Dr Clancy said as other forums arose in the lead-up to the March 23 NSW election he "absolutely" would welcome the opportunity to participate.
Ms Marmo, who is best known for campaigning for a no-protest zone around Albury's defunct abortion clinic, said the event would focus on a variety of matters.
"I thought it would be really great to organise this forum so the constituents can ask questions of candidates on major issues such as mental health, women's rights and climate change," Ms Marmo said.
"No questions will be off limits.
"I'm sure there will be some people say 'Liz is doing this for her own agenda', but it's not."
Ms Marmo said she was taking suggestions for four questions she would put to each candidate.
They will be followed by 30 minutes of queries from the floor.
Greens candidate Dean Moss and Labor contender Lauriston Muirhead will attend the event at the Mutsch Street Lavington Scout hall from 1pm on March 2.
Mr Muirhead said he was disappointed that Dr Clancy was unavailable but he hoped there would be other candidate forums.
"Every opportunity the community can get to know the candidates is important," Mr Muirhead said.
Sportsbet's winning odds for Albury are Coalition $1.05, Labor $10 and Greens $31
