The Newcastle Herald invited all the region’s federal election hopefuls to introduce themselves, explain why voters should choose them and outline their positions on three key issues in their own words.
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See their responses in ballot order below, or browse the region’s other seats as details are published.
Graham Burston
Age: No response.
Party: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Biography: No response.
Why voters should choose you: No response.
Your stance on Republicanism: No response.
Your stance on same sex marriage: No response.
Your stance on the environment: No response.
Brian Clare
Age: 73
Party: Rise Up Australia
Biography: I represent the mood for change , to Reform the workings of Parliament and Government .Under Liberal and Labor Australia has been sold out to foreigners , both in trade and land and to a migrant group that is causing significant division in our country , which must be stopped by banning Islam, people are fed up with the major two looking after their Vested Interests e.g. Big Business/Wealthy who are not paying their fair share of tax based on all income without tax minimisation schemes , and foreign companies to pay tax without profit shifting etc.
Why voters should choose you: Most people who elect to stand for Parliament do so with the best of intentions, but find the corrupting influence of the major parties takes away any independence , leaving most members with the perception that they do get away with most things and feel that they as elected members are not answerable to the people during a term,so our answer is to to insert into the Constitutions , Federal & States , CIR (Citizens Initiative Referenda) so we the People can take back control over the elected politicians. i.e. No legislation will go to the G-G for Assent until all legislation is put to the voters by a voluntary Online voting method, if it fails then that legislation lapses.Also we will stop the rorts of Parliament
Your stance on Republicanism: I am an Australian Republican and will wait on another Referendum in due course. The electorates distrust of our politicians makes the job of changing much harder because most are suspicious of Governments who dictate to the voters, such is the Westminster system we currently work under . There should be no persons elected to the Senate who are members of parties sitting in the Lower House, its like like Caesar judging Caesar when what is required is a variety of Independents and Groups to properly assess and review legislation from the Representatives.
Your stance on same sex marriage: Since the politicians are too gutless and the issue will cause much dissension in the community , so to decide on this, then it should be put to the people voluntarily by the CIR formula for a decision.
Your stance on the environment: We must take great care to protect the environment and make it a high priority to place environmental considerations high on the order table before approving development applications . Furthermore we must plant more trees elsewhere to make up for those destroyed on developed land.
John Brown
Age: 68
Party: The Greens
Biography: Born and raised in Cessnock, lived in Maitland for the past 30 years. Married with one child and two grandchildren. Now a freelance journalist after working for the Maitland Mercury and Newcastle Herald. The current chairperson of Maitland Friends of our Library after 20 years service to supporting and promoting libraries. Volunteer worker for Red Cross and former volunteer with Maitland Neighbourhood Centre. Served six years as councillor on Maitland City Council. Passionate supporter on social justice and environmental issues as well as strong on the city's indigenous and European history and heritage.
Why voters should choose you: We support people. This is evident with the circumstances surrounding the toxic pollution of soil and water around the Williamtown RAAF Base, which is both a human and environmental tragedy. The Greens stand with the residents calling for blood testing and proper compensation for homeowners and business people, including the fishermen. Dangerous climate change has arrived, we can see that with the continued extreme weather events. The Greens are the only party that's fully committed to restricting and reversing this trend - and that is through a just transition from coalmining into renewable energy sources. That's where the jobs of the future will be - through manufacturing and related industries. The Hunter can become a renewable energy leader. We have a terrific workforce but we need to support and expand TAFE to build on the skills needed for future employment. Both health and education should be free in this country. We need to improve hospital and medical resources and The Greens fully support the Gonski report, where funding for schools is determined on a needs basis. Every child at school should be given the chance to reach their full potential.
Your stance on Republicanism: I stand for a republic. Australia is now a multi-cultural society and even though we have historic links with Great Britain, I see no reason why we should still be paying homage to a "royal family" that lives on the other side of the world. Our society should be an equal and fair society. The queen is still our head of state with the governor-general her representative, which is wrong. I believe we should have an Australian "president" which would be purely an honorary role with no say in our political system. The prime mister should remain our political leader.
Your stance on same sex marriage: I support same sex marriage. Again, it comes back to Australia being a free and fair society, one that shows tolerance and compassion. I see no reason why people should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. This is 2016 and we have long since moved on from the hideous and unfair laws of the past. People are people and should be free to choose their own way in life.
Your stance on the environment: The environment is too often forgotten in the pursuit of development for profit. It's time we stood back and took stock of the way our governments treat the environment. A special case in mind is the Mambo wetlands in Salamander Bay. Members of the local Landcare group spent hundreds of hours caring for this area only to have the government sell off a large portion - likely for development. This wetlands plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of the surrounding land. The Greens support protection of our environment, especially the retention of all wetlands.
Meryl Swanson
Age: No response.
Party: Labor
Biography: I’m Meryl Swanson, your local Labor candidate.
I was born in Kurri Hospital and grew up with my family in Heddon Greta. Mum and Dad worked hard and I understand the pressures that ordinary families face.
I’m proud to have lived and worked in our area throughout my life. Now, my husband Nick and I are raising our two daughters here.
I love our community and I’ve enjoyed promoting our region, its people and asking the tough questions via my radio programs on 2HD and 2NUR.
Why voters should choose you: I have put my hand up because I want to champion the needs of our community. We need action on youth unemployment, a proper NBN and a strong advocate to stand up for our community on the Mambo Wetlands and Williamtown contamination. As a local I understand the importance of good roads and infrastructure. That’s why I got the ball rolling by announcing $10 million dollars toward fixing the road at Testers Hollow. If I’m honoured to be chosen to represent Paterson in Parliament rest assured I will continue to work hard every day to make sure our community gets its fair share.
Your stance on Republicanism: I believe that it is time for Australia to become a republic.
Your stance on same sex marriage: I support marriage equality. If a free vote were to be before the Parliament, I would vote in favour of same sex marriage being legalised.
Your stance on the environment: I support action on climate change and investment in renewable energy. We live in an extraordinary part of the world and it is our responsibility to nurture and preserve it for future generations.
Peter Davis
Age: No response.
Party: Citizens Electoral Council
Biography: No response.
Why voters should choose you: No response.
Your stance on Republicanism: No response.
Your stance on same sex marriage: No response.
Your stance on the environment: No response.
Karen Howard
Age: 48
Party: Liberal
Biography: I’m a proud small businessperson and mother of Max aged 10. After completing my School Certificate in 1983 at Maitland Girls’ High School, I worked for a local small business and then in the public and private sectors for 14 years. For 17 years I have run my own small businesses whilst simultaneously working for community, Not-for-profit, State and Federal Government Boards, and contributing to vital change in our region to ensure families have real job opportunities and access to first-class health, education services and jobs.
Why voters should choose you: I’ve spent the first half of my life living in the old and new parts of the electorate of Paterson, and the second half of my life fighting for a better deal for the region through my work with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Business Chamber and Hunter Medicare Local. I’ve been standing up for the Hunter Region my whole career and am committed to helping my community to grow and prosper, offering our kids the choice to stay and work/study close to home, rather than leave as I had to. I have a proven track record of delivering for the region, am a safe pair of hands and I dearly want to give back to the area that gave me my education, my values and my first job. My parents taught me strong values and to stand up for what you believe in without fear or favour. Our retiring MP, Bob Baldwin has been an outstanding representative of our community and I hope to be able to continue his good work and deliver our strong economic plan that will provide jobs, growth and a secure future for local families.
Your stance on Republicanism: The time to consider this issue would be at the end of the Queen’s reign. To do so beforehand, I think is premature. We need to ensure there is grassroots support for the issue before taking it to a vote. This isn't an issue that is regularly raised with me by voters in Paterson. The matter of Republicanism for me is one of respecting the past and embracing the future.
Your stance on same sex marriage: I know there a lot of people who are deeply concerned about the issue, making strong arguments on both sides of the debate. In a plebiscite, I would be guided by the views of my electorate if elected.
Your stance on the environment: I support practical action to protect Australia’s environment for future generations, boost clean energy innovation and tackle climate change. I believe in policies that make a positive difference to the environment at a local level, whilst also ensuring we play our part globally. I support protecting the Reef, threatened species, and our transition to a low emissions economy through investment in renewable energy, technology and science. Labor’s response to climate change is to bring back a carbon tax. Labor’s policies will target families, pensioners, farmers and businesses. I believe the strength of Australia’s economy and environment goes hand in hand.
Peter Arena
Age: No response.
Party: Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
Biography: No response.
Why voters should choose you: No response.
Your stance on Republicanism: No response.
Your stance on same sex marriage: No response.
Your stance on the environment: No response.