You can view our question list for all candidates here.
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Independent senate candidate for NSW, Hamish Richardson, responded :
Independent Senate candidate: Hamish Richardson, NSW
www.hamishrichardson.webs.com
email: hamishforthesenate@gmail.com
facebook: hamish_for_the_senate
Independent candidate – for the people, against the odds.
What are your thoughts on asylum seekers?
Treat any person fleeing persecution with the utmost humanity and compassion. Avoid actions that may further encourage those who seek to profit from practices that do not follow due process. Parliament should implement an urgent, committed, non-partisan approach to the issue to take the wind out of its political sails.
‘Boat people’ account for only a tiny percentage of our total refugee intake. But, if we really wish to avoid masses arriving by this method we must address the core issues that will force people to take these drastic measures in the future – warfare, political instability, exploitation of developing countries, and climate change.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
Vital in a fast track to true sustainability. The practical approach to maintaining our way of life while dealing with the realities of a changing world is to be 100 percent committed to creating truly sustainable towns and cities. We need to embrace public transport as an integral part of our lives.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
Vital in a fast track to true sustainability. Investing in the renewable energy sector will create jobs and will curb our reliance on fossil fuels. Australia has the ability to do this now.
Do you support or oppose the introduction of the R18+ rating classification for video games?
Support.
Do you support or oppose the proposed internet filter?
Oppose.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
Support.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
A complex, emotional issue, whether debated in the national arena or between two people weighing up their options due to a range of issues. However, I believe in the fundamental principle that it is a woman’s right to decide what happens with her own body.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
Support. I believe if you are nearing the end of your life you should have the right to maintain and proceed with dignity. Just because an issue is a minefield to negotiate doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take it on.
What are your thoughts on stem cells research?
I support stem cell research. I believe there is enough evidence to support the notion that stem cell research could hold the key to breakthroughs that could positively influence the lives of thousands of people. I have had Type 1 diabetes since I was 11, and having been an active campaigner in this area, under took a public education campaign while touring in the USA when the issue of stem cell research was being debated there. .
What are your thoughts on education?
Good teachers make for a good education . We need to place a higher value on the profession of teaching across the board. But – a good education starts in the home environment – there is far too much pressure on teachers to shoulder the responsibility for our children’s learning. Family and community responsibility should be addressed as a fundamental part of the education equation.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
There should be full disclosure and accountability.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
Tread lightly – act boldly. Best practice in preparing for, or responding to, any emergency situation is plan for the worst-case senario. If it never comes to that, be eternally grateful. Whatever eventuates, switching to a low carbon world is a transformation we must make. What a fabulous challenge and opportunity climate change presents us with.
What are your thoughts on water?
No water, no life. In order to transition to a sustainable existence it is vital that we are no longer sheilded from the true value of our natural resources – water included. From localised water harvesting to water-efficient farming methods – we must transition to a new a different way of thinking, a new way of acting.
Do you support or oppose standing order 50?
Australia is a multicultural country with myriad spiritual beliefs. Non-legal rituals within our institutions, including parliament, should reflect this.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
South Coast, NSW: as with most regional areas there is the need for adequate and evolving community infrastructure – schools, cycleways, the smaller local hospitals, mental health services, carer services and the list goes on. Preservation of farmland and native environments.
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