#2 Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats in Tasmania, Tim Neal, responds to our questionnaire

You can view our question list for all candidates here.

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#2 Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats in Tasmania, Tim Neal, responded :

What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
We think its important that all Asylum seekers are given a fair go. It is important that all Asylum seekers are processed as speedily and with as minimal stress as possible. This also needs to be done in a relatively cost effective manner.

What are your thoughts on public transport?
Public transport needs to be clean and efficient. It also needs to be cost effective and practical for all. We do support increased improvements in public transport, in not only all capital cities, but in connecting the regional centres to the cities.

What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
The Australian Democrats strongly support an increase in renewable energy resources. We would push for increasing the amount of investment in Wind, Hydro and Solar infrastructure. The Australian Democrats would implement an increase to $2000 for the already existing Solar Hot Water bonus scheme.

Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating
classification for video games?
The introduction of an R18 rating would serve to increase the content available to us. Not only that but it would also assist in making an informed decision.

Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
The Australian Democrats emphatically oppose the internet filter in its every manifestation. A government needs to be accountable to the people and by censoring the content in which we can access goes against the principles of Democracy. The Government hide behind the argument that it will stem the flow of Child Pornography. This is simply not true. Not only can the filter be easily bypassed by someone who is relatively adept with technology but the majority of the Child Pornography is transmitted through peer to peer networking. Peer to Peer is a network which the filter will not cover.

Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
The Australian Democrats strongly support Gay Marriage. Our primary core belief is that “We should all be free to live our lives as we want to” which is then followed by “Every Australian should have equal Rights and Opportunities.” This is not possible while there is a system of Government endorsed discrimination.

What are your thoughts on abortion?
The first core belief of the Australian Democrats is that everyone has the right to live their lives as they choose. In some situations abortion is necessary. We would support a national legislation on abortion rather than individual state laws.

Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
Voluntary Euthanasia is obviously a very sensitive subject. We believe that in some circumstances a person may wish to end their suffering. Euthanasia should be available to patents in a state of mental competence, with a terminal or incurable illness that creates unbelievable and profound suffering, would have the right to choose to die in a manner acceptable to them and not be compelled to suffer beyond their wishes.

What are your thoughts on stem cells research?
Stem Cell research has a multitude of practical applications and with the already proven ability to assist in curing a host of diseases, the Australian Democrats fully support the research.

What are your thoughts on education?
The Education lets down far too many students already. There needs to be more time spent on the basics of literacy and numeracy. It needs to be recognised that students learn differently. The system needs to advance to a level where there is never a circumstance where a student is put in to the “too hard basket.” Teachers need an increase to the support available to them to ensure they have all the resources required to help every student reach their potential.

What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
The Australian Democrats believe in fair and transparent government on all levels. This extends to political parties and elections.

What are your thoughts on climate change?
Climate change is very real and requires immediate action. We plan on introducing a fair and reasonable emissions trading scheme to ensure we can combat the crisis head on. By increasing the quality and quantity of our renewable resource infrastructure, prohibiting any new coal fired power plants and closing the nation’s biggest and dirtiest power plants we can tackle climate change.

What are your thoughts on water?
Water is undoubtedly our most precious resource. More funding is needed to encourage grey water systems and private water tanks for not only personal use but also for business. We would also support investigating sewerage treatment methods that enable at least part of the waste to be reused productively.

Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
Standing Order 50 is in direct contradiction of the Separation of Church and State mandate. We would support, however, a time for reflection at the beginning of each session.

Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
Equal Rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people is very important to me. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender differences we are all entitled to the same rights, privileges and protections provided to other minorities under the law.

Though group voting tickets have not been submitted yet, do you have an
idea on where your preferences will be going?
Our preferences will be first going to a Local Independent candidate and then to the Australian Greens. The Australian Democrats believe that it is the best interests of Australia to have a balance of power in the Senate rather than an outright majority.

One comment to #2 Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats in Tasmania, Tim Neal, responds to our questionnaire

  • What are your thoughts on the GST? SUPPORT. The democrats sold Australia out. Now we have a GST in addition to state taxes – the deal was INSTEAD OF. Thanks Meg.

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