Australia goes to the polls on Saturday May 21 to elect our Federal representatives. We asked our 20,000+ Ku-ring-gai Living followers what questions they would like to ask their candidates. Every candidate running in our local electorate of Bradfield received the same questions and the same opportunity to respond.
Below are their responses (in alphabetical order by candidate surname). Any candidate who has not yet responded may do so at any time and we will add to this list – just contact info@thelivingcollective.com.au.
But first, a bit about voting in the Federal Election Bradfield…
Do I have to vote? Yes, enrolling and voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over.
Where can I vote? You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on election day. Polling places are open from 8am to 6pm. To find your nearest polling place visit aec.gov.au/where
How can I vote early in person? If you are eligible, you can vote before election day at an early voting centre (open from May 9). For more information and to check if you’re eligible visit aec.gov.au/early or call 13 23 26.
How can I vote early by post? Postal voting is available to eligible voters. Check your eligibility and apply online at aec.gov.au/pva. Complete your application for a postal vote so it reaches the AEC by no later than 6pm Wednesday May 18 2022.
How can I make my vote count? On election day you will be given two ballot papers, a small green one for the House of Representatives, and a large white one for the Senate. You must complete both ballot papers.
On the green ballot paper for House of Representatives you must number every box in the order of your choice.
One the white ballot paper for Senate you have a choice of two ways to vote; either:
– Above the line (for parties or groups): If you choose to vote above the line you need to number at least 6 boxes
– Below the line (for individual candidates) : If you choose to vote below the line, you need to number at least 12 boxes
On either ballot paper, don’t worry if you make a mistake. You can ask for another ballot paper and start again. You can also practise voting on the AEC website – visit aec.gov.au/practise
Federal Election Bradfield Candidates (in alphabetical order)
Nicolette Boele, Independent
1. Give us your elevator pitch. Why should the people of Bradfield vote for you?
I believe the views and values of the Bradfield community are not being represented in Parliament and that the support of this community has been taken for granted for too long.
Primarily, I am standing to help bring integrity and accountability to politics in order to restore our democracy. On the most vexing issue of our time – the climate crisis – I am the best credentialed candidate in Bradfield. I’m a true local and understand the community and its concerns, because I have lived here for 41 of my 51 years.
I bring real-world business experience and policy acumen from a 30-year career working in capital markets, clean energy and climate change policy. Twenty-five of those years working in and with our Australian Parliament on policy. It’s time for a change – and the locals I meet every day agree.
2. What is your connection to the Bradfield area and tell us three places that you love in the electorate.
I am Bradfield through and through. Gordon East was my primary school and I went to Killara High School, along with attending university in Lindfield. My children were born and raised in Bradfield, where they are active mentors and players in the local soccer leagues. I currently live in Turramurra am passionate about the local area. My three favourite places in the electorate are Bobbin Head (Turramurra); Echo Point (Roseville Chase); and Blackbutt Creek Track (Gordon).
3. What do you see as the key issues the Australian people will consider when casting their vote this election?
Each electorate is different, and as a candidate for Bradfield I have pledged to represent issues that matter to our electorate. Having said that, our campaign team are being inundated with inquiries that indicate that Bradfield people want what most Australians want. First and foremost, they want serious, urgent action on the climate crisis, not weak targets with vague plans on how to meet them. That tallies with research that shows that 60% of Australians recognise that the current federal targets are too little, too late. Other issues of topmost concern to Bradfield residents are integrity and corruption, with a request for a federal ICAC being top of most people’s list. A humane, fair and orderly response to the treatment of refugees is also clearly of great concern to the citizens of Bradfield, who want to see a return to an Australia that they recognise – one that is fair, welcoming and procedural. Housing affordability is also a matter of priority for most Australians.
4. If you were to introduce one bill before parliament, what would it be?
As an independent, the only option I would have is a private member’s bill, and they are very difficult to get through. If I could make the opportunity, I would like to see legislation that ensures that ministerial appointments to boards and commissions, like the ABC, AusPost, the AHRC and the AAT, are made against published criteria and that departures from those criteria are explained to parliament. But I think the greatest value I bring is working to improve and support legislation that the people of Bradfield want to see.
5. In the event of a hung parliament, how will you vote?
I prefer the term balanced parliament or shared parliament. When elected, I will work constructively with the parties and the crossbench to lift their ambition on the issues that matter to Bradfield voters, which include meaningful climate action, restoring integrity to the Australian Parliament, and making responsible economic decisions, and I will ultimately support the party to form government that I believe will best deliver on these issues.
Q6. Give us a brief overview of your position on the following
Whether there should be a Federal ICAC
Yes! Of course there should be a federal ICAC — one with teeth. I support any model that meets the criteria set by the Centre for Public Integrity. Helen Haines’ model is one example.
What action needs to be taken on climate change –
A first step is to support Zali Steggall’s bill, which calls for a 60% emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030. Net zero by 2050 is too late. Like anyone serious about addressing climate change, I support carbon pricing; I support a carbon price but not a carbon tax, which puts an unfair burden on the taxpayer. All this makes good economic sense; without bold targets we won’t be able to compete on the global market.
How small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid can be assisted –
As a responsible investment executive, I know there is a lot of money out there and that it can be used for good purposes. If we stop squandering money on ill-thought out projects – let alone flagrant pork barrelling – then we will be in a better position to fund schemes and projects that meet the common-sense test. I will look forward to hearing from Bradfield small businesses how I can help them.
How Australia should handle the recent news of China’s involvement in the Solomon Islands –
Once we restore some dignity and integrity to federal politics, and government stops focusing on its own in-fighting, we will be in a position to restore proper diplomatic relations with our neighbours.
What can be done to ease the soaring costs of living in Australia
We need a comprehensive review of the entire tax system so that we can address housing affordability and rising costs holistically. We also need a comprehensive review of where we spend and how we make those decisions. Better and fairer revenue collection with targeted justified spending won’t solve the cost of living alone, but they will help.
7. How will you stay in touch with the people in your electorate to make sure their views are represented in Canberra?
This is something that is dear to my heart. The people in this area have been taken for granted for too long, and I will follow the wonderful lead set by other Independents in the past, who have set up a range of ways of staying in touch. These include: regular advertised Member in Residence times at our electorate office; continued engagement by accepting invitations to meetings of community groups; drop-in hubs around the electorate for residents; and policy position “town halls” (big open meetings) to allow community input, feedback and participation in government policy. I also have children living in the electorate. They will make sure I don’t disappear into the Canberra bubble!
8. How can we learn more about your views and stay in touch with your campaign for the Federal Election Bradfield?
Your first port of call is the “Events” page on our website https://campaign.nicoletteboele.com.au/events . It is updated regularly with a list of exciting in-person and online events on everything from climate, to integrity, to disability, and ABC and the arts. The website also shows you where you can catch up with me as I campaign. Our online email and social media teams are also highly responsive and have been fielding inquiries on all manner of topics from hundreds of interested voters. We’re so proud to say that, with the exception of one or two key roles, all of this exciting activity is being carried out by volunteers!
David Brigden, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch)
No answers received as yet.
Martin Cousins, The Greens NSW
1. Give us your elevator pitch – why should the people of Bradfield vote for you?
I am a candidate with a broad range of work and other experience that will fight for things that are important for Bradfield’s and Australia’s future. The Greens’ and my highest priorities are:
- Action on Climate – and to seize the great opportunity presented to Australia
- Address the housing crisis
- Provide free higher education
- Bring dental health and mental health into Medicare
- Action on Corruption
- A government that does its job in aged care
I am also standing to highlight the tireless and principled work of our lead Senate candidate David Shoebridge, who has spent 11 years fighting on important issues in NSW parliament.
2. What is your connection to the Bradfield area and tell us three places in the electorate that you love.
I have lived in Bradfield for 14 years. During this time I have been a regular volunteer in several Ku-ring-gai Council environmental programs. I also lead a team that provides electronic registration, timing and results for a local sporting association.
My favourite areas in Bradfield are the beautiful natural bushland areas which surround us. Lane Cove National Park and Two Creeks Track to Middle Harbour are two lovely spots that are close to home for a quick bike ride or bush walk. I also visited Bobbin Head again recently and was reminded what a magical spot it is.
3. What do you see as the key issues Australian people will consider when casting their vote in this election?
Climate Change – People want their federal government to do more to address climate change and to stop subsidising and sponsoring fossil fuel projects.
Jobs – People want to know that they will be able to find work. I want to assure them that there will be plenty of jobs in the renewable energy transition – electricians for PV panel installation and electrification; legal, financial, engineering, construction and operations for large renewable energy assets. The Greens also want to bring mental and dental health into Medicare, so there will be increased demand for these. We want better opportunities and job security for people. Two sectors that the Federal government can directly influence in this regard are aged care and higher education.
Cost of living – cost of living pressures are affecting many. The Greens support for renewables and electric vehicles will reduce fuel imports, which is a key cause of inflation. Our policies to build a million new homes, provide free higher education, and bring dental and mental healthcare into Medicare will also reduce the cost of living.
Security is also front of mind given international tensions. Australia has dropped the ball on diplomacy. We need to de-escalate conflict, not escalate it; we need to support our Pacific neighbours and treat them with respect, and we need to talk to all of them, especially China.
4. If you were to introduce one bill to bring before parliament, what would it be?
No new coal mines or gas fields. We need to stop putting fuel on the climate fire and start working on solutions. There is no carbon budget for new coal and gas.
5. In the event of a hung parliament, how will you vote?
The current government has failed in so many areas. It is time for a change. We have indicated that we would prefer to work with a Labor government as we feel that Labor’s position is closer to our own in key areas such as action on climate, action on corruption, addressing housing affordability and defending and extending Medicare.
6. Give us a brief overview of your position on the following:
Whether there should be a Federal ICAC –
We absolutely need a strong Federal ICAC. There are far too many examples of the current government favouring their own or marginal seats, their donors and themselves. This needs to be thoroughly investigated and stopped. The Greens have an anti-corruption bill that has passed the Senate and is ready to go. The NSW ICAC has been doing its job – stopping corruption. We need the same federally.
How Australia should handle the recent news of China’s involvement in the Solomon Islands –
There is no doubt that the new security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands heightens tensions and competition in our region. Our current government must accept responsibility for its failings which have led to this agreement being signed. We need to treat our Pacific Neighbours with respect – for example by addressing their concerns around climate change, and by thinking of them as more than just people who can come and pick our fruit. We need to talk to all our neighbours, including China. It is inevitable that China will continue to develop and have a greater influence in the area. We need to work with the Chinese to avoid conflict and work on the important issues for the planet, esp climate change.
What action needs to be taken on climate change –
Climate change presents a major threat to Australia, but also presents a great opportunity in green exports. It is one of the areas of greatest focus for The Greens. Policies and actions that need to be taken include –
- No new coal and gas developments
- 75% reduction in emissions by 2030, net zero by 2035
- Massive build of new renewable energy – wind, solar and storage
- 100% renewable electricity by 2030 – publicly owned by Snowy Hydro
- Support for Electric Vehicles – including subsidies, fleet buying, emission standards
- Assistance for affected coal and gas communities, including to set up new industries in battery minerals
- Funding for quality land-based carbon storage for hard-to-offset emissions
- Prepare for Climate Impacts & disasters – make use of the Emergency Response Fund
- Make multinationals pay their fair share – this includes many fossil fuel producers.
How small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid can be assisted –
I am pleased that COVID restrictions have now eased in most sectors and that we can again fully support most of our businesses and enjoy many of the things that we did in the past. However, businesses and employees are stills suffering, especially casual staff who have no protection in the event that they contract COVID, and employers who have to try to find someone to replace staff who are sick. Support for workers who don’t get sick leave is still important. Protection measures such as masks are also important and should really be encouraged indoors. Similarly, we will all need to be encouraged to get booster shots periodically so that the risk and consequence of COVID is minimised, rather than waiting for another outbreak to cause a lockdown. I support a review of Australia’s handling of COVID to find out what we could do better in inevitable future pandemics.
What can be done to ease the soaring costs of living in Australia
As above, cost of living pressures are affecting many. The Greens support for renewables and electric vehicles will reduce fuel imports, which is a key cause of inflation. Our policies to build a million new homes, provide free higher education, and bring dental and mental healthcare into Medicare will also reduce the cost of living.
7. How will you stay in touch with the people in your electorate to make sure their views are represented in Canberra?
On top of any formal engagements as minister, I would hold regular community forums to engage with the community, provide information and seek feedback on issues of interest. I would welcome contact with constituents by any media.
8. How can we learn more about your views and stay in touch with your campaign for the Federal Election Bradfield?
I have a webpage showing my highest priorities as part of the Greens website. There is a link to email me from there. You can also see my preferences and make a donation if you wish.
https://greens.org.au/nsw/person/martin-cousins
I also have Facebook and Instagram pages.
With some wonderful helpers I have been handing out information at railway stations, as well as at markets and local shopping centres throughout Bradfield. I will be doing some shifts on pre-poll from Monday 9 May so other appearances will be reduced.
Paul Fletcher, Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division)
1. Give us your elevator pitch – why should the people of Bradfield vote for you?
When you vote for me, you know what you are getting. I have represented this community for over a decade, and built a substantial track record of delivery. The people of Bradfield know what I stand for.
I am part of a strong and experienced Liberal team. We acted swiftly to support Australians through the pandemic; here in Bradfield JobKeeper helped over 29,000 employees and 9,000 businesses. Without this support, we could have seen the worst unemployment in generations, instead, we are sitting at an inflation rate of 4%, the lowest in 48 years.
We have also delivered strong health outcomes, with over 727,000 telehealth appointments in Bradfield alone. Our initiative to support telehealth under Medicare means Australians can access medical assistance when they most need it, without the need to leave the house.
2. What is your connection to the Bradfield area and tell us three places in the electorate that you love.
My wife and I live in Roseville with our son and we love this area.
My three favourite spots would be Bobbin Head (great for kayaking); the Bare Creek Trail in Garigal National Park (for walking or mountain biking); and Echo Point in Roseville. But I like all 101 square kilometres of Bradfield!
3. What do you see as the key issues Australian people will consider when casting their vote in this election?
In my view three key issues are stability, security, and cost of living.
A vote for me is a vote for a human quantity: I have made it very clear who I support and what I support. By contrast, a vote for minor parties or candidates is a vote for instability.
In our current international climate, people are looking for a government which will protect Australia’s interests. That means maintaining our strong security relationships with allies like the US. It also means a strong and consistent approach to border protection.
Finally, voters are focussed on cost of living. The Morrison Government has acted to ease cost of living pressures. For example, in the most recent budget, we reduced fuel excise by 50 per cent for a six month period. For a two car Bradfield family, this is expected to save over $700.
4. If you were to introduce one bill to bring before parliament, what would it be?
I have introduced many bills; one of the most important was our tough new Online Safety Bill which passed the parliament in 2021. I will continue to work to make the internet safer for all Australians.
5. In the event of a hung parliament, how will you vote?
As a Liberal, I will vote to support a Liberal National Government.
6. Give us a brief overview of your position on the following:
– Whether there should be a Federal ICAC
There should be a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, and we have detailed draft legislation of over 300 pages.
– How Australia should handle the recent news of China’s involvement in the Solomon Islands
Australia is responding to China’s efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific through our “Pacific Step Up”. The Morrison Government has lifted our overseas development assistance to $1.85 billion a year. We have been investing heavily in infrastructure, particularly communications and energy infrastructure, across Pacific Island nations.
– What action needs to be taken on climate change
The Morrison Government is committed to Australia reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and we have a clear plan to achieve it, focused on technologies and not taxes. Our emissions are already 20% lower than in 2005 (the baseline for the Paris Agreement). That’s lower than any year under the last Labor government.
Since 2005, Australia has reduced our emissions more quickly than Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
– How small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid can be assisted
Small and family businesses are the backbone of our economy and the key to Australia’s economic recovery. To protect jobs and livelihoods, the Morrison Government has made small business a central focus in the recovery from the pandemic.
We have provided support through JobKeeper, Cashflow Boost payments, 50% wage subsidies for apprentices and the HomeBuilder program.
– What can be done to ease the soaring costs of living in Australia
Factors including the pandemic and war in Ukraine are pushing up the cost of living for Australians.
Our Government is taking practical measures to respond.
These include:
– Cutting fuel excise in half for the next six months – saving Australians 22 cents a litre every time they fill up their vehicle.
– A one-off $420 cost of living tax offset for low-and-middle income earners.
– A one-off $250 cost of living payment for more than 6 million Australians.
7. How will you stay in touch with the people in your electorate to make sure their views are represented in Canberra?
I hold regular forums to keep in touch with constituents.
I meet regularly with constituents at my electorate office and at many community events. I receive many phone calls and emails in which constituents raise their concerns. I also keep constituents informed of my work, through social media, website, and newsletters. I aim to keep my constituents informed about the work I am doing as your elected representative to Canberra.
8. How can we learn more about your views and stay in touch with your campaign for the Federal Election Bradfield?
You can keep in touch by following my social media; whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn. As always, if you have any issues, please feel free to contact my office on 9465 3950 or by paul.fletcher.mp@aph.gov.au
Rob Fletcher, United Australia Party
1. Give us your elevator pitch – why should the people of Bradfield vote for you?
The UAP has the right policy mix at the right time for Australians. Pay off the debt with other people’s money: $1 trillion debt that is unpayable by the Liberal & Labor Party policies. We will levy a 15% Iron Ore licence fee that Asia can’t avoid. The debt will be paid off in 15-20yrsAt the same time, this will put downward pressure on inflation and our credit rating will remain AAA+ ensuring lower rates for business while home owners will enjoy a 3% cap on mortgages for 5 years. This could save people from losing their homes to rates over 5 or 6% or more in that period.
We will also allow the first $30,000 in home loan payments to be tax deductible while at same time reducing taxes on second jobs so you have a decent return for extra work. For those who move to rural towns more than 200 KMs from a city, we will also offer a 20% tax concession for your work or business. We will remove FBT, Provisional Tax payment and support Small Business, we will allow businesses to trade out of debt. (the Govt is the main contributor to business going broke with egregious demands).
These policies are a dream mix for families and hard working Australians. We can get these policies in when the UAP wins enough seats to form a Govt or a minority Govt. The Parties will have to deal with us and we will support the Australian people first.We will also stand by a Bill of Rights to support your Freedom of choice as a non negotiable.
VOTE 1 UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY.
2. What is your connection to the Bradfield area and tell us three places in the electorate that you love.
I moved to Killara in 2005 to change career from industrial Chemistry in the Food Industry in Bathurst to a career in Finance and Investment. I left that home last year and moved to St Ives Chase. Most of my work has been in the City or working from home for many years as a Finance and Investment consultant.
3. What do you see as the key issues Australian people will consider when casting their vote in this election?
Australians are concerned for their bodily freedom and ability to earn a living without coercion of forced and experimental medical procedure. There was no long term data and Barrack Obama recently announced that billions have participated in a Clinical Trial. This was how they got long term data, yet the results are mostly hidden or not acted upon. Australians are also concerned they will lose their homes to high interest rates. High inflation is feeding the cost of living and everyone knows that interest rates are usually higher than inflation except in periods of Central Bank interference. The UAP will Cap mortgages at 3% for 5 years while we stabilise the economy. We also offer the first $30,000 in loan payments to be tax deductible. Other areas of concern is education and defence over the long term.
4. If you were to introduce one bill to bring before parliament, what would it be?
It would be our Policy to pay down the debt with the proceeds of the Iron Ore licence fee. Half of the Trillion dollar debt was incurred by Scott Morrison as Treasurer and then as PM and he has not articulated a plan to pay it off or even acknowledge it’s presence which could seriously effect our economy. It’s predicted to be $1.37 trillion by the end of the next term. Even the payments are borrowed at the moment. This is a source of inflation and soon global pressure on our currency rate of exchange. Unbridled debt accumulation is poor policy with looming rate rises.
5. In the event of a hung parliament, how will you vote?
Good Question. My answers above are part of a non negotiable position. The Party that wants to work with the UAP and adopt these policies will have a good chance of forming Govt with the UAP. Labor has shown it’s hand that it does not want to deal with the UAP by preferencing Liberals over the UAP.
6. Give us a brief overview of your position on the following:
– Whether there should be a Federal ICAC
Of course there should be. Federal Parliament should not be immune. I also would support a Royal Commission with judicial powers for criminal charges for the actions over the last 2 years. The Govt needs to be more open as to the terms of contracts with Big Pharma and also whether the rushing of vaccines has knowingly put the public at risk. Wall St has reacted to news of Pfizer trials pre launch and Pfizer shares have been punished but Main Street has yet to dissect the reality of what they have released. This information was privvy to the TGA and yet it was approved, why?
– How Australia should handle the recent news of China’s involvement in the Solomon Islands
Australians should be very angry with the current Liberal Party for cutting Aid to them. Aid was also cut by the Labor Party. All up over $200 million dollars was cut to their aid which opened the door for them to seek more generous friends in China. Our military should have been onto this with intelligence and should have already made a military agreement to upgrade a Port for Australian military use. $200million is cheap compared to the $500,000 million Scott Morrison added to our debt over the last 4 years as treasurer and PM.
– What action needs to be taken on climate change
The first thing that is needed is a solid policy for baseload power. Only Nuclear Power stations can give 24/7 power without any Carbon emissions. Solar and Wind are fanciful dreams that don’t include the carbon waste and pollution in the creation of the panels and windmills that are not recyclable. EV batteries on mass is a wild dream too because each battery requires the milling of 250tonne of ore that is washed with 5 million litres of water to produce the rare earths for one battery. This pollution cannot be ignored. A Zero Carbon economy is as fanciful as a Zero COVID world.
– How small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid can be assisted
Small Businesses are the life blood of the middle class. The events of the last 2 years have mostly effected the middle class whilst the listed companies were open to trade and increase sales. A small business depression and a listed business boom as seen in stock prices during the last 2 years. We will abolish fringe benefits tax and provisional taxes. Taxes will be paid after the business has earnt it’s money. This will free up cashflow. We will endeavour that the ATO will not be the initiator of bankruptcy and help businesses trade out of trouble where possible. Recently the ATO demanded that 50,000 small businesses catch-up on their taxes without payment plans. Many of these people will have to sell their homes and could lose their business. We will negotiate with small business.
– What can be done to ease the soaring costs of living in Australia
The United Australia Party has policies that will reduce monetary inflation, we will freeze permanently the fuel excise tax. We support reducing taxes for people with second jobs so it is worthwhile. We support a 20% tax concession to help rural communities and farmers. This lowers the cost of food production. We will remove HECS debt and offer free education
7. How will you stay in touch with the people in your electorate to make sure their views are represented in Canberra?
I will spend most Parliamentary breaks in the area and reach out to the public with public forums to engage with the people. I am running to restore representative government and i wish to serve the public with responsible policies that strengthen families and small businesses, many that have been almost destroyed during the events of the last 2 years.
8. How can we learn more about your views and stay in touch with your campaign for the Federal Election Bradfield?
I am open to talk to and engage with the public. My phone is public territory 0407280707 and I have a website www.robfletcher.com.au and also on Facebook.
Janine Kitson, Independent
1. Give us your elevator pitch – why should the people of Bradfield vote for you?
I will tackle the major issue of our times: climate change, integrity in politics and safeguarding our ABC.
I will tackle climate change by thinking globally and acting locally. Already I have initiated my renewbradfield.energy plan to decarbonise the electorate of Bradfield by transitioning to renewable solar power. I will work to increase the availability and affordability of household and community solar power battery storage, electric cars and buses and electric vehicle charging stations.
I am determined to eradicate political corruption that is undermining trust in government and democracy. I will support a federal anti-corruption commission along with other integrity reforms as proposed by the by the Accountability Round Table.
I will end the hostile funding cuts to the ABC and implement the ABC Friends 10 Point Plan for the ABC and restore its funding back to its 2013 levels so that it meets its obligations under the ABC Charter Act.
I also want to fight for quality investment in education, the arts and aged care.
2. What is your connection to the Bradfield area and tell us three places in the electorate that you love?
Growing up in Gordon, I learned to value our natural world in a community founded on integrity, responsibility and compassion. As a youngster I attended Gordon East Public School and Killara High School. As a teacher I taught in schools in the Bradfield electorate: Normanhurst Boys High School, Killara High School and Beaumont Road Public School at West Lindfield.
Gordon Railway Station holds a special place in my heart because in 2004 I fought to ensure its heritage was protected. I led a community campaign to relocate the installation of lifts to a more suitable location. In recent years I have campaigned to protect Gordon Station’s heritage gardens.
I am inspired by Bradfield’s Blue Gum High Forests. In 2005 I was part of a successful community campaign that lobbied Local, NSW and Federal Governments to publicly acquire privately owned bushland at 100 & 102 Rosedale Road, St Ives to preserve this as one of Sydney’s most environmentally sensitive urban forests.
Over the years I have led countless heritage walks to highlight Bradfield’s magnificent cultural, built and natural heritage arguing that so much is worthy of national heritage protection. Stronger federal environment and heritage protections are needed for Bradfield.
3. What do you see as the key issues Australian people will consider when casting their vote in this election?
COST OF LIVING is emerging as a very significant issue. The Morrison government has exacerbated cost of living pressures by not supporting wage growth to keep up with inflation. It has also increased the cost burdens of health care, child care, aged care, TAFE and university education by forcing these costs back onto individuals and families, instead of ensuring the free provision of quality public services. Housing affordability, mortgage and rental stress are other key issues especially for younger Australians. Transport costs have increased due to the rise in petrol prices because of war in Ukraine. This has led to increased food prices exacerbated by the increased frequency and severity of recent floods, bushfire and drought.
4. If you were to introduce one bill to bring before parliament, what would it be?
Legislation to support federal electorates across the nation to renewably power themselves so that Australia can slash carbon emissions, reduce electricity and transportation costs and create new local jobs.
5. In the event of a hung parliament, how will you vote?
I will vote for who can deliver the best policies for a safe climate, an end to corruption, safeguarding our ABC, and quality investment in education, the arts and aged care.
6. Give us a brief overview of your position on the following?
Whether there should be a Federal ICAC?
Yes. We need a Federal ICAC – one that has teeth. It must hold politicians and lobbyists to account for their actions. It must have the powers of an independent Royal Commission to investigate any lack of transparency, shonky deal and political corruption. Its proceedings and reports should be open to the public.
How Australia should handle the recent news of China’s involvement in the Solomon Island?
Australia needs to win back the hearts and minds of people in the Asia-Pacific region by restoring and expanding ABC Radio Australia’s FM and its international TV service ABC Australia.
We need to increase Australia’s development assistance to the Asia-Pacific region and counter the unprecedented rise in poverty, inequality and instability which is threatening the region.
We need to increase our emissions targets for 2030 to stop rising global temperatures that is making our Pacific neighbours so vulnerable to sea level rises. We also need to help our Asia-Pacific neighbours mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
What action needs to be taken on climate change?
We need to reform electricity ownership, operation and transmission in Australia by restructuring the electricity market to facilitate the more localised domestic and community generation and storage of renewably generated electricity.
Support federal government subsidies to assist householders and communities move rapidly towards solar and wind generation, battery storage. Build more resilient transmission infrastructure that can facilitate more renewable energy.
Australia needs to work to get to net zero by 2030. This means ending federal government subsidies to the coal and gas industry and not opening up new coal, oil or gas projects. We need to set 100% renewable energy targets and reach them by 2030. We need to invest in alterative renewable energy jobs for our fossil fuel workers and their communities.
How small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid can be assisted?
Too many small businesses are struggling as a result of floods, bushfire and prolonged drought. Too many small business owners and employers continue to suffer from exhaustion and financial ruin due to the pandemic and the challenges of staff shortages, debt, inflation, rising interest rates, bankruptcy and lost income. This has disproportionally impacted on women whose professions in hospitality, beauty, hairdressing, health care, aged care, child care have been some of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Women also, too often, have to shoulder the additional burden of household responsibilities. We need a whole of government approach to help small businesses thrive into the future. In particular we need to help them transition to a renewable economy that benefits them with government investment in the installation and purchase of solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles (EVs).
What can be done to ease the soaring costs of living in Australia?
We need to ensure real wages are increased to ease the cost of living and that people have secure, permanent work and are paid well. We need to rebuild TAFE as one of the world’s best vocational training systems that supports small businesses and provides equity of access. We need to bring back local manufacturing to end the reliance on global supply chains that have been so disrupted by the pandemic. We need to reform the national energy grid so that it can be made more secure and cheaper with solar power. We need to rapidly transition to electric vehicles as a solution to the increasing rise in the cost of petrol and diesel caused by Russia’s war on Ukraine. We need to ensure people have access to a free and strong health care system, education, and aged care. We need to address the housing crisis with a National Housing Strategy that supports more public housing.
7. How will you stay in touch with the people in your electorate to make sure their views are represented in Canberra?
When Parliament is not sitting in Canberra I will be back in Bradfield outlining and explaining my voting decisions. I will seek the electorate’s advice on upcoming Bills. I will work to establish expert electoral advisers from the community and a process where I can consult widely through regular forums and opportunities to listen to constituents. I will also set up an online communication strategy where I can seek information, advice and opinions.
8. How can we learn more about your views and stay in touch with your campaign for the Federal Election Bradfield?
Please visit:
- https://www.bradfieldcandobetter.org/
- https://renewbradfield.energy/index.html#issue/1
- Email: janine.kitson@bradfieldcandobetter.org
- Mobile: 0428 860 623
- Facebook: Janine Kitson; Bradfield Can Do Better
- AEC website:
https://www.aec.gov.au/election/candidates.htm?suburb=Gordon&division=Bradfield&state=NSW
Michael Lowe, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
No answers received as yet.
