You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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Ungrouped Independent Candidate for Queensland, Mark White, responded :
Independent Senate Candidate Mark White QLD responds to your request.
What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
An asylum seeker is defined as someone who, “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country”. Australia is signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention and as such we are duty bound to at least hear them.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
A national reliable, efficient, and affordable public transport system is essential in serving to reduce congestion on our roads and ultimately reducing pollution.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
There has been a decided lack of support in politics for realistic renewable energy.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification for video games?
I would support 18+ rating classification for video games.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
I do not and will not support the proposed Internet Filter. The proposed internet filter is supposed to block illegal content, in the guise of, “mainly” child-abuse and ultra-violent material. However in the trial, many legitimate sites were blocked, causing financial loss and confusion. Further when flaws were exposed on the internationally renowned whistle blower site wikileaks.org the response was to add Wikileaks to the Restricted Content list, a political decision, and hardly a rational thing to do for freedom of information and civil liberties.
A government-commissioned report stated that cost of mandatory ISP level filtering would cost appropriately $45 million in the first year, and $33 million every year after that, and we can be sure of cost blow-outs.
As schools are being given computers without funding for extra infrastructure, hardware, software, maintenance, and education for the use of those computers, the funds would be far better spent in education than an ill conceived and unworkable Internet Filter.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
This is a narrow topic question which I feel is designed to inflame people and divide the community rather that deal with real issues.
Same sex couples should be afforded the same rights as any other de-facto couple.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
I am personally opposed to abortion, however I believe that in various situations abortion is a social justice issue which should be allowed on medical grounds. I do not support late term abortion.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
I hold the belief that while there is life there is hope. A medically confirmed, terminal ill person suffering greatly, should have the personal choice, of self (and only self) administered voluntary euthanasia, and managed under strict guidelines that the patient has knowingly consented to.
What are your thoughts on stem cells research?
I support Stem cell research, including therapeutic cloning, for the benefits it can bring, from skin and teeth regeneration, spinal damage, parkinson’s disease, and many other health issues. Reproductive cloning is another matter altogether.
What are your thoughts on education?
Education needs to have a more comprehensive strategic plan. Currently there seems to be an knee jerk reactions to events rather and a cohesive plan, not at all the clever country we profess to be. See proposed Internet Filter above.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
All candidate campaign donations of any monetary value, including in-kind services, should be declared.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
It’s laughable to deny climate change is occurring. The rate of change is of course is subjective but it is an issue that requires a real strategy. Proposing a Carbon Tax without any meaningful research into Alternative Energy, support for current Australian Research and Development (which is sadly lacking), and more carbon friendly options would be just another tax grab which I would oppose.
What are your thoughts on water?
Australia is driest inhabited continent on earth. We require a more holistic approach to water which must include the reduction of urban sprawl that is adding a burden to infrastructure, water delivery, and the degradation of agricultural land. This should then also encompass Immigration, if we can’t look after our own nation how can we hope to help others.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
I have no problem with a prayer beginning each day. However since government is secular, and Australia is a multicultural society, a reflection time before the Senate sits may in fact be more appropriate.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
Locally, water, infrastructure, fishing, estuary management, and sustainable tourism, all spring to mind. However upon reflection there are many other regions that are experiencing similar issues that require support, from Southern Moreton Bay Islanders Infrastructure, to water contamination of Kogan Creek near Dalby. There seems to be a reluctance of elected members to properly listen to their constituents in some of the issues that face local communities.
Do you have an idea on where your preferences will be going?
I ask all those who give me their primary vote on the Senate Ballot paper, not to forget to number all other 59 candidates in order of their preference.
I have no affiliations with any political party and encourage electors to familiarise themselves with all candidates.
You may find further information about me as a Senate Candidate on www.markwhite.org.au
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