She’s here for you … Prime Minister Julia Gillard addresses the western Sydney forum / Pic: Adam Ward Source: The Daily Telegraph

But there were few questions about big issues like carbon tax or the NBN.

Instead they wanted answers about forced marriages, the heritage status of an 18th-century square and funding cuts for pregnancy support.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and members of her community cabinet also fielded questions about the future of the Australian economy and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan as they fronted a 300-strong crowd who had registered for the event at Macarthur Girls High School.

Other issues raised included funding for women’s sport, education for children who are deaf or have a disability, and even the lack of a secure fence at a local primary school.

Among the ministers attending were Foreign Minister Bob Carr, who left during the forum to take a call, and Treasurer Wayne Swan.

A Year 12 student from the school asked about the laptop scheme and why, given it was government property, they had to help pay for any repairs.

“It’s an incentive for students to keep them safe and secure so there’s a consequence if they aren’t looked after,” Ms Gillard said.

In her opening address Ms Gillard said the government was “making big decisions”.

“The requirement in the future is going to be for an economy that’s cleaner and greener,” she said.

“What we’re trying to do during this time of change in the Australian economy … is manage it in the interests of working people.

“We want to make sure this economy works for you.”