Independent candidate for Richmond, Julie Boyd, responds to our questionnaire

You can view our question list for all candidates here.

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Independent candidate for Richmond, Julie Boyd, responded :

“JULIE BOYD Independent for Richmond

What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?

Many of my honest views are outlined on my website www.julieboyd.com.au I BELIEVE issues around asylum seekers have been deliberately confused because of a fear campaign by the media. The reality is a number of issues are causing refugees – war, climate change and people trafficking. The issues of people trafficking must be separated from the processing of refugees. I also support the humane treatment of those seeking asylum, and the resettlement of genuine refugees.

What are your thoughts on public transport?

I BELIEVE we face at least 4 major crises in our area which are not currently being considered

1. Providing for our aging population and their increasing challenge to drive safely.

2. Providing for the hierarchy and variety of road users- currently trucks, 4 WD, cars, bikes of all kinds, pedestrians. This needs to be reversed.

3. Providing alternatives to petrol and oil based transport

4. Encouraging development away from the coast to populate inland towns. This will require ease of movement of workers and visitors.

I intend to push for a comprehensive, staged MASTERPLAN for public transport in the Richmond area that may include a mix of buses, trains, light rail, but preferably other more innovative forms of moving people and products – encouraged through innovation grants, including funds already allocated but not yet provided.

What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
I believe it is crucial for us to transition as quickly as possible to 100% renewable energy. I do not support industries which involve continuing degradation of the environment and pillaging of earth’s resources for the financial benefit of individuals under the age-old claim that they ‘create jobs’ when the reality is that most of these jobs are short-term and expendable under any economic downturn.

Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification for video games?
I support the introduction of a ratings classification. As a psychologist I am fully aware of the impacts of video games on the thinking and behaviour of young people. I believe there is a direct link between anti-social behaviour, increased bullying and violence and some video games.

Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
I am concerned that people are not aware that filters already exist. I do believe that our young people need to be protected. I am concerned that legitimate websites are blocked by filters.

Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
Some of the longest term and most successful relationships I know are those between gay partners. Given the variety of relationships which currently exist within legal marriage, I have no objection to these people being able to have the same level of recognition for their status as heterosexual couples.

What are your thoughts on abortion?

I BELIEVE in a woman’s right to absolutely determine who or what has access to her body. This is naturally a highly sensitive area. I also believe more effective mediation and support/grief counselling is required for both partners who may be faced with a dreadful decision if there is dissent.

Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
I fully support the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia

What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
I believe that stem cell research is crucially important to the future cure of a range of conditions. I also support the developments in adult stem cell research.

What are your thoughts on education?
I am concerned about the sole focus on ‘back to basics’. While extremely important education needs to have a focus of assisting children to learn how to create a healthy society. Hence my 20 year focus on ‘Education for a Sustainable Society.’

What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
This is an essential element of honesty in campaigning. I calculated that during my last election campaign my votes cost $1 compared with the eventual winner’s costs of >$20 per vote- this shows clear inequities in the system and one of the reasons why it is impossible for Independents to gain traction in our system. I would like to see campaign funding fully disclosed, a ban on preferencing, and a ban on people being accosted by campaigners at polling booths. Then we would have a more level playing field for candidates and a system where voters can make their own informed decisions.

What are your thoughts on climate change?

I BELIEVE the global climate is rapidly changing and human behaviour and actions are exacerbating these naturally occurring events –agribusiness and genetic modification of original foods are of great concern.

I support and encourage

* the return of small farms producing natural, not GM foods
* seed banks
* a society less dependent on supermarkets, fast foods and chemicals
* a move to renewable energies,
* local food production and consumption
* the provision of a combination of industry incentives and disincentives to achieve the above.

What are your thoughts on water?
The effective management of water is crucial to the survival of our society and the planet. I do not support any privatisation of water resources. I fully support a return to the home based water tanks of my childhood, and the more effective large-scale harvesting of rainwater.
I also believe the problems with the desalination plant in South East Queensland have demonstrated that desal plants are not the answer to future water issues.

Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
I do not support the forced recitation of religious information. I support the concept of full separation of church and state. Standing order 50 needs to be made voluntary so that people who believe it are free to repeat the statement and those who do not believe it are not required to recite something they do not support.

Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
I am deeply concerned about the implications of agieing. In particular I am concerned about
- the rapid increase of women over 55 who may be highly educated but who find themselves unemployable in positions which reflect their expertise.
- the number, particularly of women over 55 who have no superannuation and limited resources
- the increasingly unsafe driving practices of older people on our roads

I am also deeply concerned about other local issues
- health- including dental health
- community safety and the rise of youth violence
- mental health and in particular the police response as a first resort

-public transport
- climate change, sea level rise and proper planning which includes encouragement for people to move away from the coast

What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
I am appalled at the bias and misogynism of some reporters in the mainstream media. I’m also disgusted that the election campaign was hijacked by unsubstantiated rumour and innuendo. The same tactics were used to ruin Cheryl Kernot’s life and political career.
I am deeply disturbed at the number of politicians who are openly admitting that their behaviour during campaigns- and on election day- is designed to get them re-elected rather than making statements about what they genuinely believe.
I am also deeply concerned that the political process in this country has become subverted by the influence of well funded lobby groups who are overly influential in decision making with their influence being based solely around personal wealth generation.”

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