Hosted live by Philip Clark on 666 ABC in freezing conditions in Jones Park Murrumbateman, the debate was broadcast to constituents around the Yass Valley, as well as Canberra and surrounds.

Eden-Monaro is historically an important bellwether seat and in the recent electoral boundary redistribution the Liberals’ margin rose from 0.6 per cent to an estimated 3 per cent. Yet Sportsbet are placing Labor as the favourite for the seat at $1.75, with Dr Hendy at $2.

Dr Kelly, who was Member for Eden-Monaro from 2007 until 2010 said it will all come down to the voters on July 2.

“I think the people in the electorate will make up their minds based on candidates and policies, and it’s very similar in the Yass Valley,” Dr Kelly said.

Mr Clark questioned Dr Hendy on whether the ‘cash splash’ across the electorate during the campaign was due to his parliamentary connections, or whether he was in difficulty.

“We’re quietly confident, without being complacent,” he said.

“The fact that we’re not complacent is the reason I’m getting such strong support from my cabinet colleagues; we’re reacting to what the Eden-Monaro has asked for.”

Despite some criticism of being the ‘no show candidate’, Dr Hendy described his name recognition as ‘sky high’.

While council amalgamations and renewable energy were debated during morning, the focus was definitely on the Barton Highway.

Dr Hendy was quick to criticise Dr Kelly’s promise of duplication being conditional on NSW Funding, despite not having committed to full duplication himself. He defended his non-commitment to duplication as being due to budgetary limitations, yet did refer to his plans for safety measures as the ‘start of a duplication’.

“The budget is in much worse shape than in 2007, but at this stage I’ve been able to get $50 million, which is the start of duplication,” Dr Hendy said.

The Barton Highway currently has a 47 per cent contingency plan, according to Dr Kelly, which means there is no costing for the entire duplication.

“The truth is no-one knows how much it will cost,” he said. “That means the design and costing works need to be done, which is why the duplication has to be carried out over a series of budget cycles.”

Dr Kelly’s commitment will start the duplication at the ACT border and extend north towards Murrumbateman. Yet Labor’s funding is conditional on NSW government funding of $19 million.

If Labor wins the seat in Eden-Monaro, it will be requesting funding from the Liberal NSW government, which has yet to put the Barton Highway on the Infrastructure Australia priority list.

While Dr Hendy was quick to leave Jones Park after the debate, Dr Kelly met with NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley to discuss funding.

“Population growth in the Yass Valley and upgrades to Canberra International Airport mean this is a very important piece  of economic infrastructure for NSW,” Mr Foley said.

“We’re here today to urge Premier Mike Baird to make a significant commitment to upgrade the Barton highway in next week’s budget.

“I’m calling on Mr Baird to make a $19 million spending commitment to the highway. If he doesn’t, I’m certainly good for it.”

“I don’t want people to wait until the next NSW election, I want Mr Baird to make that commitment now, in next week's budget, in hard money.”