You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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Australian Democrats candidate for Hume, Greg Butler, responded :
Duncan in the NT must have been having a bad hair day …………..
1.What are your thoughts about asylum seekers?
I and the Australian Democrats believe in the humane treatment of all people including refugees. This said if we if we reduce the overall immigration levels, we would be in a much better position to meet our humanitarian obligations for what really is a small number of asylum seekers. We seek to develop a long term population strategy that determines immigration rates that takes into consideration our capacity to provide critical infrastructure and meeting our humanitarian obligations.
http://www.democrats.org.au/policies/
2.What are your thoughts on public transport?
In New South Wales we have suffered through years of neglect by one government after another in regards to public transport. Public transport is nonexistent in regional NSW. Try getting a bus or train to Grenfell, for example. We need visionaries to give us a viable national public transport network. Labor and Liberal have had their chance, but they have failed. You deserve better – how about giving the Australian Democrats your vote?
3.What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
I fully support the development of renewable energies and see proper funding into researching these technologies as an important step in ensuring the planets health and a sustainable future both environmentally and economically.
4.Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18 + rating for Video games?
I support the introduction of R18 + ratings for video games. The Australian Democrats and I believe that Australians are sensible enough to make up their own minds if a video or movie is for them if its of an adult nature and this should now include the new medium of video games. It is a sensible reform to make R18+ ratings for video games as a shift in game playing Australians is now an average age of 28. Having no rating has lead to the ridiculous situation where games of a graphic nature are being sold to people to young to play them simply because they have rate them with 15 year old rating to be sold in Australia. Having no rating make Australian kids less protected not more.
5.Do you support or oppose the internet filter?
I strongly oppose the internet filter. A filter is a costly and wasteful approach and one that has been stated by many industry groups as easily defeated. The arguments put up are laughable. While protection of children from pornography and other harmful material is a noble ideal, when it doesn’t achieve its aim it becomes an expensive “blankie” for adults to delude themselves they have done what they can without actually supervising their own children. I’m tired of what is increasingly becoming a nanny state with some politicians trying to erode our democracy. I joined the Australian Democrats because I believe our democracy is under attack little by little and this is just another little piece of our democracy being taken from us “for our own good”.
6.Do you support or oppose Gay marriage?
The propagation of the species is a basic instinct that underlies the process known as love. I believe that marriage is an institution designed to provide a stable environment for children to be born into and raised within. This institution has been sadly neglected when it comes to government support. Indeed, the government through its interference has degraded the value of marriage. I do not think the gender or sexuality of those who marry is an issue, children being raised by a couple don’t care, so in that sense I support gay marriage.
7.What are your thoughts on abortion?
Abortion is an intensely personal thing. I believe that this is an issue that is best left between the doctor and the woman / and partners involved. We politicians should support people by providing services that give fair unbiased advice and makes counseling available. We should allow the medical professionals to do what is right and in the best interests of the parties involved. My personal feelings or religious beliefs should not prevent any Australian from getting the medical service they require and interest bodies should not be allowed to make any party feel guilt over something which should not concern them directly. I think all guidelines need to be clearly defined so not to leave any ambiguity in the minds of the professionals in carrying out their already difficult jobs.
8.Do you support or oppose legislation of voluntary euthanasia?
Again this is a strongly personal and emotional topic. I support the right to die, in saying this I believe that strict guidelines should be in place and worked out in consultation with the relevant bodies. I believe no government should have control over life and death. Governments should instead provide the necessary tools for people to make their own informed rational decisions supported by the best advice and services that can be provided.
9.What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
I have no problem with supporting research that complies with the Hippocratic Oath and the established ethics of our society. I support stem cell research.
10.What are you thoughts on Education?
Education should be provided by the government in a standardised way so children moving from one state to the next do not miss out or one state of Australia being at a lower standard than another. I believe that government schools should be adequately funded to provide the best possible future for our children. Paul Young , Australian Democrat candidate for WA is the spoke person for Education and would have further details on how we would educate Australian kids.
11.What are your thoughts on campaign financial disclosure?
I think this is a very important part of the political process in Australia. Financial disclosure allows us to see who has paid what for the different political parties in Australia. I think we need to improve the regulations surrounding financial disclosure to increase democracy by ensuring that the message that is being given wasn’t paid for by an interest group. The Australian Democrats have fought for and won many battles on financial accountability as far back in 1994 we have been fighting for financial accountability when an Australian Democrats senate motion resulted in the Auditor General investigating a $100 million cover up of losses on government building management in Melbourne. We walk the walk on financial accountability.
12.What are your thoughts on climate change?
I believe that climate change is real and whether or not you agree I feel it is prudent to take action in managing our environment better. It makes sense to me to take steps to keep our planet as natural and beautiful as we can, regardless of climate change arguments. Roger Howe, our lead senate candidate and spokesperson for the Environment and Climate change would be best to answer any further details. roger.howe@democrats.org.au
13.What are your thoughts on water?
I want to work with all levels of government to overcome the jurisdictional barriers in developing nationally consistent standards, guidelines and targets for water saving measures. I believe that there are simpler solutions to water management than high technology, expensive centralised proposals.
14.Do you oppose or support standing order 50?
I oppose standing order 50. In a country that has separation of church and state it is patently out of place. The Australian Democrats former parliamentary leader, Senator Lyn Allison has previously brought amendments before the parliament to remove this order. I intend on reintroducing this amendment myself.
15.Are there any other issues that you’re trying to highlight with your campaign?
I believe that the electorate is not very happy with the concept of either Tony Abbott or Julia Gillard as Prime Minister, and as a result they are questioning the decision making ability of both the Liberal and Labor parties. The Australian Democrats represent a long term trusted political alternative. Many people have told me that they will be giving their #1 vote to the Australian Democrats as a consequence.
Greg Butler
Australian Democrats for Hume
Mobile: 0427 010109
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