Mr Rorris said the message from the electorate's voters was the same from Cringila to Farmborough Heights and Port Kembla.

"They only see Noreen Hay at election time, they only see her at dinners and functions, or on the corflutes [election signs]," Mr Rorris said.

"They, more than anyone else, want to know what is going to happen over the next four years and they want the opportunity to be able to see what different people are offering."

Ms Hay dismissed the claims as "desperate comments by desperate candidates", saying the government was yet to enter election mode.

"I put this down to a lack of knowledge and experience," Ms Hay said.

"I know there are candidates who are on leave with plenty of time on their hands, but I am still an elected MP . . . and I'm busy doing my job at the moment.

"When the candidates' forums are held, and they will be held, then I am happy to attend and debate with all the candidates."

Ms Hay said all candidates were entitled to be "treated with equal respect".

Mr Rorris said Wollongong voters wanted transparency.

"They're frustrated, I guess, because they think Noreen is hiding behind the coat tails of the other MPs," he said.

"That somehow she has been hidden from public view, in terms of debates and the serious stuff."

Mr Rorris called for the debate to happen in front of a "broad" panel that included all media organisations.

"A bit of light, I think, needs to shine on the city of Wollongong in terms of what's been going on for the past 12 years and why it is that the sitting member wants the people of Wollongong to give her another four years," he said.

Ms Hay and Mr Rorris are listed to speak at the Illawarra Business Chamber's candidates' debate, which will be held at the ITeC Theatre in Coniston on March 10.