You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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Democratic Labor Party Candidate for Bowman, John Kent, responded :
Hello BKoP Team!
It has been an extremely busy period im replying to each and every soul and
organization who has written me to inquire about what I along with the DLP
bring to the table. I have answered your questions so please take the time
to read them. Your feedback of both positive and negative constructive
criticism is welcomed and much appreciated. Thank you:
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
We must not only find but implement renewable energy on a global scale while
considering the environmental, social and commercial implications for all
stakeholders alike. Australia needs to consider ways to reduce waste
resulting from our throw away culture and waste from all other sectors and
invest in the development of innovative and viable technology as a matter of
urgency.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification
for video games?
It would be my responsibility to determine what the people of Bowman would
like to see happen. If elected I will become the voice of the people of
Bowman as other elected members will represent their constituencies around
Australia and we will reflect your views at a federal level in Parliament.
We will be a Government officials elected to serve the people.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
The DLP would need to seek expert advice from a broad range of professional
scientists, developers and manufacturers s to determine the feasibility of
such measures. However, It would be my responsibility to determine what the
people of Bowman would like to see happen.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
The DLP reflect the constitution of Australia which is underpinned by
Judeo-Christian principles. We are not a religious organization and nor are
we affiliated with any organized religion. We fundamentally believe in
non-judgement as a core principal. The DLP do believe in the traditional
sense of marriage being a union between a male and a female as this is the
nucleus of building a family. There is no reason why a partnership cannot be
legalised for tax and other purposes where both partners, if they wish to do
so, can consent to an appropriate legal private or civil partnership
contract.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
The DLP are firmly a prolife position. According to the NSW Right to Life
article on the 5 of August, 98% of abortions are for convenience (these
reasons do not include medical purposes, rape or foetal deformities).
Abortion as a way of birth control is unacceptable and legalising such
methods would only promote such beliefs. As such, a clear and distinctive
line drawn must be made public and certain in ensuring abortion is illegal.
There are clinical practices used in abortion that would result in
prosecution, if they were conducted on a wild or domestic animal. The
subject of abortion is controversial and complex and cannot be presented as
a simple yes or no issue or presented as a matter of freedom of choice,
rights or simple convenience for the individual.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
The DLP opposes voluntary euthanasia. We hold the strong opinion that legal
killing in this manner will create more harm than good after weighing the
pros and cons. The moral dilemma drawn within the lines of when it is right
or wrong will constantly be challenged. There is a word for ending someone
elses life purposely, and that is murder. There is a word for accidentally
ending someone else’s life, and that is manslaughter. A clear NO position
must be taken to create a distinct black and white benchmark, rather than a
grey area of morality.
The DLPs policy
“The DLP create simple and logical solutions to what other parties consider
complex problems. It is our abilities to be solution orientated in creating
strategies and developing solutions which give us a leadership edge over the
other political parties. Every issue needs a research and evidence based
solution, not just opinions from top level bureaucrats as we currently have
practiced in Government. The DLP have several policies such as the 2 for 1
refugee swap, water, education, elderly, economy, Development Bank and
maternity leave schemes. To sum it up, we are for human rights and freedom.
What are your thoughts on stem cell research?
Stem cell research and any other form of genetically modified tampering
worries the DLP. We have seen how the branding of stem cell research, in
another words GMOs are effecting one sector alone; 90% of the corn market in
North America where a single organization Monsanto owns a literal monopoly
through patents and IP due to these practices. We also see how this research
leads to such catastrophic effects on nature and human kind through
consumption. These GMOs manipulate and affect our DNA in a cellular and
microbiological level which results in deformities. Again, like dynamite
developed by Mr. Nobel, more harm than good evolves through these measures.
As such, the DLP appose stem cell research
What are your thoughts on education?
The educational system is in dire need of a complete overhaul. We must
create an educational system which cultivates innovation and cognative
problem solving appropriate to the level of study. Students must acquire
skills for both life and vocational careers and to develop the skills needed
to study after they have left school. Education is a value adding process
from which the population and industry will benefit collectively and
contribute towards the richness of our communities in Australia. There is
much discussion about skill shortages and we must recognise that many
Australians who have paper qualifications do not always possess valid or
reliable skills. Education underpins our vocational and higher systems and
provides the scaffolding for informal and formal learning throughout life.
Some years ago teacher training entry standards were lowered and
accountability in schools has been eroded over the years. These standards
need to be lifted to meet the needs of both students and the Australian
community. It is both federal and state governments’ responsibility to do
so.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
A complete disclosure at all levels is essential to ensure that Government
can and will be held accountable by the people of Australia as Governments
purpose is to serve the people. The people are not there to serve the needs
of a government. I would support a realistic cap and impose standards for
campaign marketing to create a fair and equal playing field for all
political parties through federal and state elections. This would ensure
that the voice of every minor party are not drowned out by the major
political parties who can collectively agree to disadvantage who they
choose. These cartels only offer the illusion of freedom and democracy and
does not embody or reflect fair and honest representation.
The DLP believes that there is little evidence of any valid and reliable
democratic process to support the decision making processes employed by
political parties and government. There is a democratic alternative that
must engage with the people at a community level. The Australian population
has the constitutional right to influence and determine government policy
and set the benchmarks that underpin our culture and our nation.
What are your thoughts on water?
The DLPs Policy:
Freshwater resources are an essential component of the Earth’s hydrosphere
and an indispensable part of all terrestrial ecosystems. The freshwater
environment is characterised by the hydrological cycle, including floods and
droughts, which in some regions have become more extreme and dramatic in
their consequences.
Water is needed in all aspects of life. The general objective is to make
certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for
the entire population, while preserving the hydrological, biological and
chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities within the
capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases.
The multi-sectoral nature of water resources development in the context of
socio-economic development must be recognised, as well as the multi-interest
utilisation of water resources for water supply and sanitation, agriculture,
industry, urban development, hydropower generation, inland fisheries,
transportation, recreation, low and flat lands management and other
activities. Rational water utilisation schemes for the development of
surface and underground water-supply sources and other potential sources
have to be supported by concurrent water conservation and wastage
minimization measures. Priority, however, must be accorded to flood
prevention and control measures, as well as sedimentation control, where
required.
In the case of trans-boundary water resources, there is a need for the
States to formulate water resources strategies, prepare water resources
action programmes and consider, where appropriate, the harmonisation of
those strategies and action programmes.
The following programme areas are proposed for the freshwater sector:
Integrated water resources development and management;
Water and sustainable urban development;
Impacts of climate change on water resources.
Water and the guaranteed safe supply thereof, at economically appropriate
rates, is a crucial role of government and should never be placed in private
hands.
The Democratic Labor Party would fight against any government move that
proposed such an irresponsible course of action. We will fight to ensure
that Water, the Water Catchment facilities, and all Water-grid systems
remain under a Government Department, and not sold off to Private
Enterprises, which have only the bank balance in mind, and not the welfare
of the people.
We also oppose the National Competition Policy brought in by Foreign Treaty
and which encourages Privatisation. (National Competition Policy comes from
International Economic Treaties signed through the external affairs power of
the Federal Constitution by past Federal Governments with no reference to
the Parliament or the People. Such treaties legalities are questionable.
Australian Sovereignty has been usurped/replaced by external sovereignty).
We of the DLP believe in the continued expansion and integration of our
water supplies through management of catchment capabilities and grid
networking of such. This involves the increase of dam and weir sites,
improvements, repairs and upgrades to existing sites where required,
networking of these together in a water-grid system, and improving the
maintenance and management of these systems, including suitable
programs.
The additional costs of de-silting the catchment facilities (dams and weirs)
would be offset by the sale of the silt as clean fill for developments and
gardens.
Diverting some Large-scale Rainfall Events via this grid system to ensure
greater water storage in areas of lesser rainfalls for improved viability of
Industries in those areas, being of both Primary and Secondary in industry
nature. This diversion of Flood waters would also have the added advantage
of reducing the siltation and chemical damage to our Great Barrier Reef, as
well as our magnificent bays and coastlines, keeping them in better health
and condition for our constituents. The increased permanent water in
semi-arid areas would also improve rainfall in those areas, and having the
added advantage of increasing our percentage of arable land for food
production, both for local and overseas markets, but also having the extra
bonus of providing for our unique and distinctive native flora and fauna.
We also believe in the seeking and implementing of efficient and workable
fish-ladders on all dams and weirs, so that the native species of fish can
continue to do their valuable work in maintaining the waterways, both above
and below these constructs.
We do recognise that not every creek or river should be dammed, as some
species of fish require naturally running waterways for breeding, and that
these need to be protected.
Our Water Policy also supports, as a use of the water reserves, the
sustainable hunting and fishing for the purpose of acquiring food for the
table.
This entails appropriate funding for the professional and qualified
management of our resources and engagement with all industry and
recreational players.
Commercially viable freshwater supplies of fish would also allay the
pressure on saltwater species to cater for the table of the consumer.
The DLP will also introduce state-wide programs for the control and removal
of introduced fish species that have proven detrimental to our waterways,
for example carp and tilapia. The fish thus removed could be sold and
provide profit which is happening with the capture of the Charlie Carp in SE
Qld.
The DLP will ensure the improvement of fish stocks through the release
and/or re-release of native fingerlings to waterways to re-establish native
fish populations to restore the natural balance and health of our waterways
and provide recreational fishing for both food and recreation. To complement
and fund these recreational facilities local economies can be improved
through the development of balanced tourist and recreational facilities.
We believe that projects like the Ord River Project could easily be
implemented in Queensland (and other states), with similar benefits to state
economies and subsequent employment opportunities. (Such boosts to the
economy would negate the need for increased taxes on other items, such as
fuel, alcohol, and cigarettes).
At the lowest appropriate level, delegation of water resources management,
generally, to such a level, in accordance with national legislation,
including decentralisation of government services, to local authorities.
Review existing data-collection networks and assess their adequacy,
including those that provide real-time data for flood, drought and severe
weather forecasting, and then seek to improve areas of inefficiency.
The DLP will ensure that alternatives to current water catchment methods
would be properly investigated, and viable options implemented, with a focus
upon the environment and cost benefits to the community.
The DLP would also investigate the 66% Policy on the Brisbane River, where
twice the water used by the SE corner of Qld is released into Moreton Bay,
supposedly for the Wetlands which it rarely provides for as most of the flow
goes out to sea.
The Democratic Labor Party also believes in greater transparency of
Government Departments regarding their financial commitments and current
projects.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
The DLP support Standing Order 50.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
Public transportation, the infrastructure and funding for this, the Koalas
and the alarming rate of their demise, health care and the
telecommunications broadband internet infrastructure, tourism and population
growth and the affects from an environmental standpoint encompassing the
commercial, social and environmental dilemmas and their alternative
solutions.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
I believe they have done what they have always done in promoting the major
parties such as the LNP & the ALP while inviting the Greens as a new
political contender as they continue to collude and hold the balance of
power within Government while neglecting the minor parties. The media have
not given fair screening time to the minor parties as is the situation with
the DLP. I feel this is discriminatory as they only favouring the few
rather than every party in the election to communicate effectively with all
parties seeking. This unfortunate blight on democratic process will never
change until there is legislation designed to prevent personal gain and what
amounts to legalised corruption by small networks of powerbrokers. The media
make their contribution to the process. There are those that benefit from
driving the process that can be categorised as global corporations and there
associated political networks.
John Aaron Kent
BS, MBA
0431 013 861
Democratic Labor Party of Australia
http://www.dlp.org.au/
“For Families; For Workers; For Life”
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