Socialist Alliance Candidate for Corio, Sue Ball, responds to our questionnaire

You can view our question list for all candidates here.

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Socialist Alliance Candidate for Corio, Sue Ball, responded :

Hi,
Here are my responses:

What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
I am from Socialist Alliance and we support an end to mandatory detention. Asylum seekers must be allowed into Australia and not have to pass through some island processing centre. End deportations.
What are your thoughts on public transport?

Public transport should be publically owned and needs massive increased investment. Public transport should be free.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
100% renewable energy by 2020. End the need for fossil fuels. Nuclear is not the answer.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating
classification for video games?
I support the consistent application of R18+ rating classifications and therefore video games should be bought into this classification.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
Oppose, as can lead to greater restrictions on individual rights
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
Support
What are your thoughts on abortion?
Support a woman’s right to choose
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
Support
What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
Support
What are your thoughts on education?
I am a strong supporter of free, quality public education. I do not support public funding of private schools.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
I totally support disclosure of all campaign funding.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
Climate change is real and devastating. World leaders are ignoring the actual impacts of climate change in favour of continuing with carbon based economies which support big business. People in Moscow and Pakistan are currently dying from the effects of climate change but to address the real causes would threaten Capitalism and profit making so very little is being done.
What are your thoughts on water?
I do not support desalination. I support serious investment in rain water harvesting and other methods of re-using water. Big industry must not continue to be offered cheap subsidized water.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
I do not support standing order 50. Socialist Alliance would replace it with a welcome to country and recognition of aboriginal land and sovereignty.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
Yes Geelong is still largely an industrial city and is hit hard by downturns in manufacturing etc. I want to see far more efforts made to invest in new industries which have a sustainable focus. We could easily develop a Green Jobs plan based on human needs not the needs of the market and therefore address the needs of the environment and jobs.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?

I think that the media is only interested in highlighting the bizarre or the extreme issues which further their own conservative agenda as a whole. There has been very little real debate or highlighting of issues outside of the marginal electorates. For example a majority of Australians support refugee rights and yet the media largely only highlights racist opinions. Consequently this gives the impression that a majority of Australians are racist and conservative which means that progressive opinions are marginalized.

Thank you

Sue Bull

Socialist Alliance candidate for Corio