Independent Candidate for Wannon, Robert O’Brien, responds to our questionnaire

You can view our question list for all candidates here.

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Independent Candidate for Wannon, Robert O’Brien, responded :

What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?

I think that there is plenty of space for them if they are genuine asylum seekers.

I believe we need to enforce our border security to prevent unwanted immigrants, but if someone is genuinely seeking an escape from torture and/or persecution we should provide assistance.

We have a large country with plenty of resources for all of its citizens (if used properly).

I don’t think they should be settled in capital cities.

We need to take action to make conditions better in the countries they are escaping from. We invade Iraq but allow the Burmese dictatorship (in our part of the world) to abuse their citizens and drive to seek a better life.

We should track down the illegal residents who have overstayed their visas, which is greater (>50,000) than the number of asylum seekers.

The government and media are making a bigger deal out of the issue than it really is.

I don’t believe that they should get better allowances and conditions than Australian citizens, such as pensioners.

They should learn our language and ways and accept them, not try to change them.

What are your thoughts on public transport?

Public transport should remain in public hands. (All essential services should be publicly owned.)

It should be regular and both time and cost efficient.

It should be up to date.

What are your thoughts on renewable energy?

I think the government should be investing in new energy forms.

There are pollution free energy sources available that will provide abundant energy at very low cost to provider and consumer, but they are being suppressed.

Nikola Tesla, who invented the AC power system we use in Australia, also said he was able to provide free energy to the whole world.

I have met people who claim to have their cars run on free energy, and have seen it done on video (but admittedly, not in person)

Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification for video games?

I support it

Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?

I oppose it. Not everyone wants it or needs it. Those who want a
filter can install one on their computer.

Do you support or oppose gay marriage?

I support legally recognised civil unions. If two people love each
other and want to spend their lives together, then they should be
able to do so.

What are your thoughts on abortion?

It is the womans choice, but I would prefer other option be
considered, such as prevention and adoption.

Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?

I support it but it has to be very clear that it is what the person
wants, and that it was not forced upon them or they’re not having
their mind made up for them.

What are your thoughts on stem cell research?

If the stem cells are obtained morally then it is okay.

What are your thoughts on education?

It should be free. It should promote individuality and understanding.

What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?

All campaign funding sources should be disclosed

What are your thoughts on climate change?

I believe that we need to curb our pollution, but I am not convinced that Global Warming is man made. Sure we contribute, but it may be that the largest factor is the sun.

What are your thoughts on water?

Water should be pure and not polluted with toxic waste such as fluoride. Water authorities need to remain in public hands and should never be privatised. I don’t think farmers should be taxed for having dams. We need to return water to the Murray River. We could pipe water from near the outlets of large rivers in the north to where it is needed. We need to ensure that the water table remains stable.

Do you support or oppose standing order 50?

I don’t have a problem with it. I don’t see why anyone would be opposed to it.

Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?

I opposed to Genetically Modified foods being approved for human consumption with no safety testing.

Our roads are in shocking condition.

There should be a cancer treatment and MRI facility in the electorate (ie Warrnambool)

Practice preventative healthcare by removing toxins from food and cigarettes, using glass bottles instead of plastic and promoting and encouraging organic food.

Create jobs through developing industrial hemp faming and industry (25,000 uses for industrial hemp). Canada and England already have a head start, and it combats global warming in both its growth stage and its manufacturing stage (as it is natural).

Encourage small businesses instead of large corporations which centralise their operations to maximise profit.

What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?

Its down to the usual standard.

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