"This is a chance to meet the voters first hand, hear their concerns and answer their questions", said Kerry Cooke, BMUC President.
He said emails and phone calls had been made to Mrs Markus over many weeks before she gave her answer.
In contrast the ALP candidate Susan Templeman and the Greens candidate, Danielle Wheeler gave an immediate and positive response as soon as they received their invitations.
"Given that Mrs Markus is sitting on a margin of just 1.3% - making Macquarie one of the most marginal coalition seats in NSW, we thought she would jump at the chance to meet the voters", said Mr. Cooke.
The event is to be held at Blackburn's Family Hotel in Parke Street, Katoomba 2.30-4.30pm on Saturday 24th August. Admission is free as part of the Union Council's popular Politics in the Pub program.
"Each speaker is given a fair go - with equal time to outline their beliefs and policies before we take questions from the floor.
"It's very much in the spirit of Voltaire's 'I do not agree with what you say but I'll defend your right to say it.
"Obviously the right to free speech is not much use if candidates don't exercise it.
"It's not too late for Mrs Markus to change her mind - we'll keep a chair vacant for her on the speaker's platform".
Secretary Debra Smith noted that this was the second time that Mrs Markus had turned down an invitation to speak at Politics in the Pub - the previous occasion was during the 2010 election.
For further information contact D Smith bmuc@gmail.com or 47871401.
Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc
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