You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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Independent candidate for Richmond, Stephen Hegedus, responded :
“Answers below.
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What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
Seeking asylum is lawful under the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees. Australia should respect the obligations under international law that it has voluntarily committed to.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
Need more of it.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
We need to invest more into renewable energy sources, and/or impose rent or taxes or a price on carbon/pollution/degradation of environmental resources belonging to the Commonwealth and its people.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification for video games?
Don’t know enough about it.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
Strongly oppose.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
Support – but believe that ultimately marriage is a construct of the Church and that relationships can be formalised at law in other ways. But if people want to get ‘married’ in the same way as anybody else, then that should be their choice.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
Abortion is a traumatic personal experience for a woman, and also often for her partner. Counselling services and information relating to these choices should be improved, but the stigma associated with the choice needs to be removed, and there should be a framework moving toward legalisation in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
As long as it is truly voluntary – support.
What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
I’m a bit wary of fucking around with nature too much, but ultimately don’t know enough about it to make an informed decision at this point.
What are your thoughts on education?
We need more targeted and intelligent education directed at the needs and desires of individual students. We should look at alternate models moving away from 12 years of sitting still in a classroom – and adapt and respond to the rapidly changing and emerging technologies confronting us. We need more creative tertiary education solutions as well, paired in with Welfare/Austudy/Newstart etc outcomes.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
Disclose everything. Absolute transparency within reason.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
The world is moving into a period of huge environmental challenges. I’m not sure if we have done enough to get us out of these problems already without massive social upheaval. Turbulent seas ahead.
What are your thoughts on water?
Water shortages will be a critical feature of global security into the 21st Century. Water is an absolutely critical resource.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
Get rid of it.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
The link between skills shortages/improvement for youth and emerging industries and a future tax base that will support an ageing population.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
National coverage – too focused on major parties.
Local coverage – balanced and interesting.
regards
Stephen Hegedus
Independent Candidate for Richmond
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Keep it real man, word.