Please take a moment to introduce yourself.
42 yr old self employed business owner with extensive small business experience and success. I believe strongly in genuine democracy and that elected members MUST put the wishes and needs of their electorate first. I believe party line voting is dishonest, and further, I believe it is destroying our country. I believe in taking a common sense approach to all legislative matters. I’m neither left or right in my political persuasion and seek to achieve the best possible balance and collective compromise for all parties. I’m accountable, take the right action and generally get results.
What are your thoughts on coal seam gas?
It needs a “handbrake” applied until it is proven to be safe. Land owners need to secure better land rights. I’ve recently read a study that disputed it being a cleaner energy source. We need to find a practical solution for the salt by-product before the industry proceeds. The Great Artesian Basin must be protected at all costs. I believe all mining should be owned and run by the state. If these resources are owned by the Crown on behalf of the people, the people should own the industry. There would be no loss of jobs and all profits would stay inside Qld (not being filtered out to foreign owned countries). Even if the government were inefficient in their spending and management of these industries, the money would stay in our economy.
What are your thoughts on the dredging of the great barrier reef?
Against it. One of our most precious environmental assets that has additional tourism benefits to our economy. We need to protect it at all costs.
What are your thoughts on water?
Encourage use of tank water at all dwellings. Basic life essentials like water should not be profit driven. I don’t believe landlords should have to pay a base water charge and all water should be on a user pay model; the same way power and telephone are. I’m reading studies challenging putting fluoride in our water supplies and further research may indicate this is an issue that needs to be visited by our legislators. I’d like to see the desal plant engaged to supply water to our more arid parts of Qld in an attempt to create more farming land, thereby addressing the threatening food security issues that we’ll confront over the next few decades.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
Undecided. Hundreds of millions of cars and factories globally exhausting hot air into the atmosphere must change the overall temperatures. Totally against the carbon tax. It will make absolutely no difference at all. If the govt is genuinely concerned about the moral dilemma of pollution and global warming, why are they giving coal miners subsidies so they can continue to export their coal to other countries who will burn and pollute this product, thereby negating the benefits of any attempts we make.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
The way of the future, not only in the source of energy, but also a mass conversion to better “user” technologies like 12volt LED lighting. Magnet technology may provide an emission free perpetual energy source for each household.
What are your thoughts on nuclear energy?
Benefits do not outweigh the risks. The downside is too large when it does happen.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
Seeing efficient public transport systems like those in Japan highlight how effective it can be. Removing the reliance on private vehicles will dramatically assist with any discussed world oil shortages as well as assist the global warming debate. Planning for these in new communities is essential.
What are your thoughts on public education?
The content needs to include compulsory subjects like money management skills, politics, social skills and etiquette. Teachers need to be empowered to effectively discipline the students. Kids need to go back to doing 20mins exercise every morning at morning assembly.
What are your thoughts on the National Broadband Network?
Appalling abuse of government power to raise a staggering tax burden on our generation and the next generation. The difference in speed is not sufficient to justify such a significant financial burden, We are trying to buy a Ferrari when a Holden will suffice.
What are your thoughts on High-Speed Rail?
Should be an effective way to transport passengers and goods around the state. Again, the Japan example proves significant benefits. Would also reduce the number of trucks on our highways and roads, thereby prolonging the life of our roads.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
I believe in protecting life and people, both the unborn and the mother. Unfortunately there are traumatic circumstances where mothers would feel this is the only option, however I’d prefer to make every effort to support this mother in a decision to continue the pregnancy and strongly encourage and incentivise her to place the baby up for adoption so couples who cannot have a family can be given a gift from such a traumatic event. I believe every child should be given the chance to love it’s mother. This is not a clean cut issue and in some instances, clear medical evidence can determine that an abortion is required to protect the mother.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
A very complex issue, however fundamentally, I believe what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home is none of my business. As long as no-one is being hurt or “disadvantaged in the process, I cannot see how we can legislate against it. Personally I struggle to understand it, however I have come to appreciate that I cannot live in this world as a bigot. I know many gays who I respect deeply for the social conscience and commitment to outstanding life values.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia?
Under very selective medical circumstances, and with a stringent qualification process I believe every person should be their own ultimate judge of their own life choices.
Do you support or oppose the legalisation of marijuana?
I oppose it.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
Absolutely necessary. Further, the new Electoral Funding Legislation needs to be repealed as the advance funding provisions always give the incumbent a gross and unfair funding (therefore competitive) advantage over other candidates contesting an election. It basically prevents any other party from being able to set up and complete on a fair playing field.
Do you support or oppose the reading of prayers to start each Parliamentary day, and why?
Considering our constitution was founded on Christian principals I have no issue with it, although I find some wisdom in the saying ‘God is God and religion is politics”. I think any legal process built on a religion platform is potentially very dangerous. All legislation should be drafted and written applying the golden rule, “treat others as you yourself would like to be treated”. There is no fairer method.
On your particular electoral ticket, where are your preferences going, and why?
I’m getting into politics to attempt to bring some integrity back into the system. Therefore, I am running a Vote 1 for Mike and you place your preferences where YOU want them. After all, it’s about YOUR preference, not mine. This keeps integrity in the voting process.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
The Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) is a very powerful state Authority that will have a significant impact on our electorate. It needs to have its unreasonable powers revoked.
Community consultation by government bodies is grossly lacking transparency, accountability and integrity. This needs to change. We have many infrastructure and development pressures that are causing our community considerable grief including the Park Ridge Corridor, VETO, Save Greenbank etc… Our rural roads are in dire need of repair and upgrade. Hooning laws need to be increased and public transport needs massive attention as most of the electorate doesn’t have public transport services available.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
Locally it’s been very difficult to get stories published. The “Presidential” style of campaign is focusing heavily on the leaders and totally distracts the public from the main reason for an election which is for the community to vote for the very best local candidate who they are confident will put the needs of their own electorate first and foremost. This means an independent may be the best person to accurately represent the local issues. Unfortunately voters vote for a particular party based on the proposed leader, even though their local candidate for that party is not the best candidate running in the local race.
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