Family First Candidate for Durack, Jane Foreman, responds to our questionnaire

You can view our question list for all candidates here.

—–

Family First Candidate for Durack, Jane Foreman, responded :

What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?

Family first have a comprehensive policy on the Asylum seekers and this can be viewed on our website www.familyfirst.org under policies. Senator Steve Fielding has released many press releases in the past month regarding his idea to put a quick stop to the people smuggling and illegal boats at this present time. His idea is the most sensible thing I have heard regarding this whole situation. See below some of his press release outlining his idea.

“People smugglers are clearly marketing the fact that Australia is a soft touch for queue jumpers.

“Australians shouldn’t be fooled by the talk of setting up processing centres in Nauru or East Timor because they won’t put an end to people smuggling.”

Senator Fielding said the only way to stop people smugglers was to send boat people to the back of the queue in overseas refugee camps.

Under the proposal, queue jumpers, would be sent to the back of the queue at various refugee camps around the world.

“Every time we accept a refugee into our country by boat, another refugee waiting patiently in a camp somewhere else is forced to wait even longer,” Senator Fielding said.

“There are thousands of refugees patiently waiting in line across the world trying to gain asylum.

“Boat people have no right to push them further down the queue and this proposal would stop this from happening.

“This scheme would save millions of dollars as well as countless lives and put an end to the people smuggling trade into Australia.

“Australia is a fair and compassionate country and we should do our fair share to help refugees, but we should not encourage queue jumpers.”

Under the proposal, Australia would take two refugees from the front of the queue for every boat person jumping the queue.

Family First recognizes the importance of ensuring well managed immigration programs that, while supporting Australia’s interest, are also compassionate and supportive of Families.

What are your thoughts on public transport?

I support public transport although in the electorate of Durack we face unique challenges with the population size and distribution of settlements. I believe Durack could be well served by having deregulation of the airlines to offer cheaper airfares so air is affordable to people. There needs to be a strong partnership of service providers and the government to provide affordable access within this region and beyond with all forms of transport.

What are your thoughts on renewable energy?

I think renewable energy is the way to go. Thermal, wind, wave and solar in this part of Western Australia are all important sources to be developing. Wind spires rather than the windmills need to be considered. There has been some worrying reports of health issues for those living in close proximity to wind farms.

Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating

classification for video games?

I do not support the introduction of R18+ video games. Our children must be protected and research shows that video games are more dangerous than film and television. It is naïve to think that some of these games will not end up in the hands of children. As soon as a law is made it is the nature of man to push the boundaries………keep these video games out of Australia!

Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?

I support the proposed internet filter in the interests of safeguarding children from the ‘worst of the worst’ material on the internet.

Do you support or oppose gay marriage?

I oppose gay marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others. Our society has been founded on this strong institution. I am committed to promoting and preserving marriage as the essential foundation of building strong communities.

What are your thoughts on abortion?

I oppose abortion and share the community’s view that the number of about 90,000 abortions in Australia each year is too high and should be reduced. I believe life begins at conception.

I want women to know that they have real and genuine options other than abortion. Too many women live with terrible guilt and distress because they felt they didn’t have any other option available to them. Every assistance needs to be offered to women to be able to keep their babies.

Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?

I oppose the legislation of euthanasia. People can take their own life any time they choose to. They do not need others to assist them with it. People feeling unable to continue with life need to have life-saving assistance. There are many ways we can help people struggling with personal crises or major life transitions.

I support palliative care as a successful way to alleviate pain and care for people in a dignified and respectful manner.

What are your thoughts on stem cell research?

I support adult stem cell research but I am opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells.

What are your thoughts on education?

I believe that a strong foundational education is critical in helping children achieve their potential and form values that will serve them for the whole of their lives. I am committed to choice in education. I believe that both private and public schools must be adequately resourced to enable the delivery of high quality education and to ensure that the right of parents to choose is respected and supported.

What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?

I totally agree with it, we need to have transparency….what is there to hide?

What are your thoughts on climate change?

There are far too many questions that have not been answered on this topic and the current government has not wanted to enter into debate on this at all. Why? Family First have been asking these questions and Senator Steve Fielding has a lot of information on this topic on his website. www.stevefielding.com.au

What are your thoughts on water?

We need to call forth the visionaries of our communities to address this issue. Nearly every community in Durack has water issues except for Kununarra and for sustainable communities and developing industry this urgently needs to be solved with a strong partnership with Federal and State Governments and local communities.

Do you support or oppose standing order 50?

I fully support standing order 50.

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

Within durack there are 6 distinct regional areas and they all have different isues. One that has been a common thread throughout has been the need to address the aged care services, facilities and beds. It is at a critical stage in every town.

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

I have been pleasantly surprised by all the local media. They have been giving me much more coverage that I expected and have been asking me to comment on many of the local issues they are covering.