You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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LDP Candidate for Macquarie, Peter Whelan, responded :
“Liberal Democrats candidate for the seat of Macquarie is Peter Whelan, a 66
year old farmer and engineer, who strongly believe in the principles of free
enterprise, individual responsibility, small government and low taxes. The
Liberal Democrats are opposed to the three “old” parties, Liberals, Labor
and The Greens, who all want to tax us to the hilt then argue over how about
they will spend OUR money.
What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
It is important to be reminded that they are people and as deserving of
dignity and liberty as any other. When making a claim for asylum, they
should be treated as legitimate asylum seekers until such time as there is
compelling evidence to the contrary.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
Mass transit is a useful alternative for many people. In most Countries it
has been shown that private companies have an advantage over government in
being able to respond quickly to the changing needs of the communities they
serve. Ending government monopolies on transport also opens up the transport
sector to increased competition which drives prices down and service levels
up.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
As technology develops, renewable energy will become more commonplace in the
future. The price of traditional fuels will become more prohibitive and
advances in renewable technology will make renewable energy a viable
replacement for fossil fuels. This should occur via private companies and be
investor-driven, without government intervention.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification
for video games?
Adults should be able to make their own choices about which video games they
wish to purchase and play. Classifications should be used as a guide and not
as a mechanism for censorship, nor as a means for people to abdicate
responsibility for their own choices.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
I oppose internet filtering because it results in the government taking
away both the right of adults to decide for themselves what constitutes
appropriate reading material on the internet, and the responsibility of
parents to exercise control over the material that their children access. I
also oppose the filter on the grounds that the proposed solution simply will
not work and thus is a gross waste of taxpayers’ money.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
Governments already interfere too much in peoples’ lives. Only the people
involved need concern themselves with anybody’s marriage. It’s none of the
government’s business if two people wish to proclaim themselves married. I
certainly don’t support any laws that treat homosexual people differently to
heterosexual people.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
To have to decide to have an abortion would be an incredibly difficult
decision for an individual to make. However, that doesn’t detract from the
fact that it is an individual’s decision to make, not the government’s.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
Support. I believe that the right to life contains within itself the right
for an individual to choose to end their own lives in a painless and
dignified manner. It is certainly not the government’s place to seek to
prevent an individual from exercising that choice.
What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
It has the potential to produce some significant advancements in medical
technology.
What are your thoughts on education?
The current system, dominated by government monopolies, ensures that choices
in education are a luxury only the wealthy can afford. A more streamlined
system, fostering competition and diversity in schooling would offer parents
and children a better range of education options.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
It is important that voters are able to know who they are voting for and how
they are funding their campaigns. Anybody seeking to be elected should be
prepared to disclose pertinent financial information.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
It should not be a political issue. Government intervention rarely results
in a net benefit to society, so dealing with global issues is probably not
best left to governments.
What are your thoughts on water?
The management of water resources should be based on supply and demand. The
complex requirements inherent in responding to people’s water needs are best
served by private enterprises engaged in competition to provide better
service and lower prices.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
I strongly support the separation of church and state. While all individuals
are entitled to attend or participate in any religious ceremonies that they
might be interested in, no-one should be compelled to do so.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
Property rights. Individual freedom and personal responsibility. Less
bureaucratic interference in our daily lives.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
The media tend to only cover the activities of Julia and Tony. There are
around 30 minor parties, apart from the Liberal Democrats, many of which
have interesting policies which should be covered. The minor parties are
being ignored because they don’t have big budgets to buy advertising and
media time.
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