What are your thoughts on coal seam gas?
I support new technologies provided they have appropriate environmental safeguards.
What are your thoughts on dredging the Great Barrier Reef?
Opposed, except where necessary to preserve human safety. The most biodiverse area
in the world needs maximum protection.
What are your thoughts on water?
I support the steps the Labor Government has taken to drought proof South East
Queensland. It is wet now, but the big dry will come again.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
The average temperature is one degree warmer than one hundred years ago. The
chances that this is not related to large scale human activities renowned for making
things hot, would have to be close to zero.
What are your thoughts on renewable energy?
The only sane policy direction.
What are your thoughts on nuclear energy?
I was born at the Australian Army Base, Hiroshima. My first memories are of a
deathscape of a murdered city. I approach all nuclear issues with grave misgivings.
What are your thoughts on public transport?
We should plan development around transport corridors , not wait until suburbs are built
and people can’t get around.
What are your thoughts on public education?
I am a product of the public education system, and a former Education Minister, and I
think state schools are great schools.
What are your thoughts on the National Broadband Network?
This is a Federal issue.
What are your thoughts on High-Speed Rail?
As population gets denser, it is an increasingly workable alternative to air travel.
What are your thoughts on abortion?
I support the existing law as interpreted by the courts.
Do you support or oppose gay marriage?
This is a Federal issue. Civil unions is a state issue. Voted for the recent civil unions
legislation.
Do you support or oppose the legalization of voluntary euthanasia?
It would depend on the specific legislative proposal, but I have never heard the right
one. Every scheme I have had put to me carried high risk that some people near life’s
end would get the wrong kind of encouragement.
Do you support or oppose legalization of marijuana?
Support existing Queensland law.
What are your thoughts on campaign finance disclosure?
Support the recent Labor reforms.
Do you support or oppose the reading of prayers to start each Parliamentary day,
and why?
Support. Even those who have no beliefs should see the value of preserving
parliamentary and cultural tradition.
On your particular electoral ticket, where are your preferences going, and why?
Just vote 1 Labor. I would not want my supporters wasting their time filling in
preferences for candidates whose view they didn’t believe in.
Are there any local issues you are trying to highlight with your campaign?
For twenty-five years I have campaigned to get a rail line put through the middle of my
electorate. I have now succeeded, in getting it started, and fully funded. My priority
now is to ensure it gets completed.
What do you think about the media’s coverage of the election so far?
More emphasis on policy and philosophy, and less on personal stuff would be helpful.
First response from a sitting member. Doubleplusgood for that at least.
“I don’t want to disclose my personal opinion on this topic, so I shall say I support government policy to dodge responsibility. If I don’t say what that policy is, double points for responsibility dodging.”