Acting Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce is inviting constituents to phone in and speak with him directly on issues that matter to them.

Mr Joyce said the Virtual Community Forum is today’s answer to the restrictions brought about by the threat of COVID.

“I will be inviting members of the public to participate in a ‘Teleconference’ style Community Forum on Thursday (23 September) to express their views and make any suggestions they may have.

“The Virtual Community Forum provides a rare opportunity to speak directly with the Acting Prime Minister and I am looking forward to contacting as many people as possible.

“Politicians don’t always have all the answers. Nobody has a monopoly on wisdom so I want to throw the communication lines open to hear directly from my consituents,” Mr Joyce said.

Residents of Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield will receive a phone invitation on Wednesday night. Invitees can then choose whether to opt in or opt out of the Forum to be held from 6.00 pm on Thursday.

“The Virtual Community Forum modernises the traditional town hall meetings, using technology to overcome COVID and other restrictions such as distance,” Mr Joyce said.

“It’s time to chat, exchange thoughts and ideas – even make constructive criticisms – and hopefully, we can all benefit from the conversation.

For those unable to participate, I can always be contacted through my offices or through my website, barnabyjoyce.com.au,” Mr Joyce said.