Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy (CAPaD) ww.-alliance.org.au

CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS FOR THE 2016 ACT LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

The electorate of Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 1 CONTENTS (CS= CANDIDATE STATEMENT ON FILE) CONTENTS (CS= CANDIDATE STATEMENT ON FILE) ...... 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES IN ACT FOR 2016 ...... 4 1. LIKE CANBERRA PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 5 Shelley Dickerson Like Canberra candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 5 Rod Vickers LikeCanberra Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 6 2. LABOR PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 7 Rebecca Cody Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 7 Mark Kulasingham Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 8 Brendan Long Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 9 Jennifer Newman Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 10 Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 11 3. SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA CANDIDATES IN THE ELECTORATE OF MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 12 Mark O’Connor Sustainable Australia Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 12 Jill Mall Sustainable Australia Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 13 4. LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 14 Jessica Adelan- Langford Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 14 Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 15 Peter Hosking Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee. (CS) ...... 16 Paul House Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee...... 17 Liberal MLA Candidate for Murrumbidgee...... 18 5.THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE PARTY (ACT) CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 19 Michael Lindfield Community Alliance Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 19 Nancy-Louise Scherger Community Alliance Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 20 6. LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 21 Fergus Brown Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 21 Brendan Cumpston Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 22 Roman Gowor Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 23 Tom Hamer Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 24 Alexander Klinkon Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 25 7. ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 26 Deborah Field Animal Justice Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 26 Jessica Montagne Animal Justice Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 27 8. GREENS PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 28 Caroline Le Couteur Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 28 Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 29 Jennifer Faerber Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 30 9. UNGROUPED CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE ...... 31 Robbie Swan Australian Sex Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 31 Margaret Webber Independent Candidate for Murrumbidgee ...... 32 Brendan Whyte Independent Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) ...... 33

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 2 INTRODUCTION

When Canberrans go to the polls on 15 October to elect a new Legislative Assembly, the ballot paper for each of the five electorates in the ACT will present them with between 18 and 30 names. Five candidates are to be elected from each electorate, thus expanding the number of future MLA’s from 17 to 25.

The voting paper will require that we rank at least our top 5 candidates and our vote will count for more if we can rank all of the candidates in our order of preference.

As voters, most of us know very little about most of the candidates. The material we receive in the letterbox and on the how-to-vote cards, and even on the party websites is often trivial and insubstantial.

In the past, we have left it to the political parties to decide who should represent us. The political parties are now somewhat on the nose and new ones seem to be forming every week. In a really healthy democracy it should be the voters, not the political parties who decide on who should be our representatives. To do that we need better information about the candidates.

The recently formed Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy (CAPaD), after consultation with the three main parties has sent to all declared candidates, an invitation to provide us with a single page pro- forma statement to place on our website. The responses are being incorporated in a separate file for each electorate, which will be freely downloadable by voters.

Each candidate has been invited to answer 3 questions, each in less than 200 words. a) These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. b) If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. c) If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. They are also being invited to endorse or modify the following six point “Charter of Democratic Commitment.”

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT.

2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws.*

3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”.

4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions.

5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests.

6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 3 ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES IN ACT FOR 2016

NEW SOUTH YERRABI WALES GINNINDERRA

MURRUMBIDGEE New KURRAJONG South Wales

BRINDABELLA

EXTENT OF MAIN MAP

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales

Redistribution of the Australian Capital Territory into electorates pursuant to the Electoral Act 1992

Electorates for the ACT Legislative Assembly of Brindabella, Ginninderra, Kurrajong, Murrumbidgee and Yerrabi

Boundaries of electorates Division boundaries District boundaries

This map shows the boundaries of the ACT Legislative Assembly electorates of Brindabella, Ginninderra, Kurrajong, Murrumbidgee and Yerrabi and the number of members to be elected from each electorate as determined by the Augmented ACT Electoral 01234 Commission pursuant to section 35 of the Electoral Act 1992. Kilometres Roger Beale AO Phillip Green Dawn Casey

Dorte Ekelund Jeffrey Brown Cassandra Gligora

Augmented ACT Electoral Commission May 2015

Ref: x:\actlic\actlic geomedia\ACT Electoral Boundaries\2015 ACT Redistribution Boundaries

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 4 CANDIDATES FOR THE ELECTORATE OF MURRUMBIDGEE

1. LIKE CANBERRA PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE Shelley Dickerson Like Canberra candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://www.likecanberra.com/shelley_dickerson

!

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 5 Rod Vickers LikeCanberra Candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://www.likecanberra.com/rod_vickers

!

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 6 2. LABOR PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE Rebecca Cody Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://www.actlabor.org.au/bec_cody

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 7 Mark Kulasingham Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://www.actlabor.org.au/mark_kulasingham

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 8 Brendan Long Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://www.actlabor.org.au/brendan_long

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 9 Jennifer Newman Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

http://www.actlabor.org.au/jennifer_newman

My name is Jennifer Newman and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Murrumbidgee. I am endorsed to represent ACT Labor

These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian.

In my view parliamentarians ideally posses three key attributes: work experience, life experience and community mindedness. I have enjoyed a successful career as a litigation lawyer, and furthered my education with a Masters degree in Law. I have directly represented Canberrans from different backgrounds and circumstances and advocated for my clients during negotiated settlements and fully litigated claims. My life was defined by an injury sustained by my mother while working as a nurse. I came to appreciate firsthand the importance of the safety net formed by Medicare and our public school system. During my time at university I was a recipient of HECS and experienced the challenges of living on limited income. I had the opportunity to serve on the University Of Canberra Council and took part in the governance and strategic development of the University. Volunteering with community organisations is a major component of my life and currently I split my time between Barnardos where I participate with the Kids Friends program, serving on the Board of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, and SIDS & KIDS.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. Our community depends on strong education and healthcare systems that are accessible, properly funded and appropriate to the needs of the community. Our public hospitals are the foundation of the healthcare system. I’ll be advocating for the continued improvement in front line staffing at the Canberra Hospital and clearer patient pathways so patients can navigate their health care with ease. I also know how important local health services are, such as mobile dentists and walk in clinics. I’ll be working to bring these local health services into our community where we need them in Weston Creek, Woden & Kambah. Working with injured people made me acutely aware of the need for bulk billing GPs in our community and I’ll be advocating to improve access to bulk billing. We have a high standard of education in the ACT and I’ll be advocating to ensure our students are educated to meet the demands of the workforce into the future. I’ll work to ensure that students who excel are given opportunities to learn beyond the standard curriculum and that students who need a little extra support with learning disabilities like dyslexia receive the time and investment they need to meet their potential.

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office

Members of the Legislative Assembly do not have electorate offices so I will continue community stalls as “mobile offices” at the same locations I visited during my election campaign so I remain available, knowable and visible to the electorate. I’m aware that the loudest voice does not always represent the commonly held view so I look forward to actively reaching out to the community to keep an ear to the ground. I’ll remain active on social media so constituents can follow my work and engage on issues important to them, no matter how big or small. Living in the electorate is a crucial part of engaging with the electorate. Informal reporting and consulting is just as important as formal consultation and reporting. Living in Chifley I look forward to hearing from people who live in the area at school and community events and at the local shops. As I have been door knocking I have heard important issues raised by people who wouldn’t normally be involved in formal consultation processes. I’m willing to put in the work to listen to those quieter, but equally important, voices.

I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows: (NB If you are uncomfortable with the wording in any these statements, please amend them and show any amendments in italics and underline them)

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT. 2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws. 3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”. 4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions. 5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests. 6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Signed by Jennifer Newman 12/9/16

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 10 Chris Steel Labor Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy (CAPaD) www.canberra-alliance.org.au http://www.actlabor.org.au/chris_steel Candidate Statement (Not to exceed 1 page) My name is Chris Steel and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Murrumbidgee.

I am endorsed to represent ACT Labor.

These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. (No more than 200 words – in 8pt Arial font)

I am running for election because I grew up on the Southside and I want to be a strong voice for us in the Legislative Assembly. I had the opportunity to attend some great schools - Torrens Primary and Melrose High and as a community advocate for children's education, I want to use my professional experience to help improve our local schools and ensure that they remain the best in the country. I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the Australian National University (ANU). I work in the community sector, as an education advocate at Early Childhood Australia. I previously worked for both the ACT and Federal Governments with a focus on community services and improving access to quality education for all children. I currently volunteer to help deliver education and community services on the ground, as a tutor for disadvantaged children and as a Director on the Board of YMCA Canberra. I’ve also worked in the union movement helping to negotiate better wage outcomes for public servants and fighting for a fairer industrial relations system.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. (no more than 200 words – in 8 pt Arial font)

As an education advocate I know that education is one of the decisive forces for equality and building Canberra’s future prosperity. I will continue to fight for better access to early childhood education, upgrading infrastructure at our schools and delivering the Gonski plan for a needs based funding system to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. With an ageing population we need to ensure that Canberrans have what they need to age successfully. This means building a quality health system with better access to local health services like Labor’s plans for a bulk billing GP service and nurse-led walk–in centre on the Southside. It also means delivering Labor’s plans for an expanded emergency department and providing a new state of the art hospital building. One of the reasons I am running is to support more local jobs on the Southside, especially through urban renewal. I will continue to stand against the Liberal’s cuts and general contempt for the role of the public service, which is affecting our local economy and businesses. I will strongly advocate for the urban renewal of local shopping centres (like Kambah Village and Cooleman Court) and Woden Town Centre – to make Canberra an even better place to live.

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. (No more than 200 words in 8 pt arial font, )

I will seize the opportunity of a smaller electorate to deliver better constituent representation through increasing contact with my constituents, especially with those that don’t usually have a voice in our democracy. I will conduct regular, published mobile offices and make myself available to residents on the Southside. I will regularly update people on work in the Assembly and seek feedback on key issues affecting people in Murrumbidgee and the ACT. As a Labor candidate, I will represent Labor’s election policies and values in the in the Assembly and seek feedback on implementation and policy development from residents. I will be strong voice for the Southside in the Labor caucus.

I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows: (NB If you are uncomfortable with the wording in any these statements, please amend them and show any amendments in italics and underline them)

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT.

2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws.*

3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”.

4. I will promote and support participatory, representative and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions.

5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests.

6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Signed Date 12/09/2016

Please return your completed statement to [email protected] for placement on the Canberra Alliance Website *See Section 14 ACT Electoral Act. Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 11

3. SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA CANDIDATES IN THE ELECTORATE OF MURRUMBIDGEE

Mark O’Connor Sustainable Australia Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

http://www.votesustainable.org.au/candidates/

My name is John Haydon and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Kurrajong. As president of the party, this statement covers all 10 of our candidates.

I am endorsed to represent SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALI A (ACT) These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. (No more than 200 words – in 8pt Arial font)

Please see background of all 10 candidates here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/candidates/

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. (no more than 200 words – in 8 pt Arial font)

Established in 2010 from the political centre, Sustainable Australia is aims to secure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable Australia.

In the 2016 ACT election our focus is to: 1. Save Canberra from overdevelopment - We will provide for proper community consultation in all development applications across the ACT. 2. Lower rates - By slowing population growth*, we relieve the ACT of the need to build and/or retro-fit so much budget-breaking complex infrastructure - like ever more trams, hospitals and schools. This budget relief will achieve lower rates than would otherwise be the case. 3. Protect our trees - By saving Canberra from ever more sprawl and infill overdevelopment we are the only party with a sustainable plan to protect our trees and green space. (*By withdrawing the ACT and its government agencies from proactive rapid population growth policies, and taking a more neutral position. See Policies below).

But we don't just focus on overdevelopment, rates and trees... We have released a range of ACT-specific policies including Economy & Jobs, Energy, Environment, Gambling, Housing, Planning, Public Service, Rates, Community Councils.

Further details here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/act

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. (No more than 200 words in 8 pt arial font, )

Sustainable Australia outlines important community consultations in our Policy platform, outlined here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/act

We appreciate the good work of community organizations like CAPaD and if elected would seek feedback and input from CAPaD on our democratic processes. Rather than follow the specific CAPaD charter, we have developed our own significant policy framework that is underpinned by greater community consultation, transparent governance and participation through more transparent reporting of political lobbying and all financial contributions, and citizen initiated referenda or plebiscites Also see: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/security_privacy_governance/

Signed John Haydon Date 07/10/16

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 12 Jill Mall Sustainable Australia Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

http://www.votesustainable.org/candidates

My name is John Haydon and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Kurrajong. As president of the party, this statement covers all 10 of our candidates.

I am endorsed to represent SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALI A (ACT) These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. (No more than 200 words – in 8pt Arial font)

Please see background of all 10 candidates here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/candidates/

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. (no more than 200 words – in 8 pt Arial font)

Established in 2010 from the political centre, Sustainable Australia is aims to secure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable Australia.

In the 2016 ACT election our focus is to: 4. Save Canberra from overdevelopment - We will provide for proper community consultation in all development applications across the ACT. 5. Lower rates - By slowing population growth*, we relieve the ACT of the need to build and/or retro-fit so much budget-breaking complex infrastructure - like ever more trams, hospitals and schools. This budget relief will achieve lower rates than would otherwise be the case. 6. Protect our trees - By saving Canberra from ever more sprawl and infill overdevelopment we are the only party with a sustainable plan to protect our trees and green space. (*By withdrawing the ACT and its government agencies from proactive rapid population growth policies, and taking a more neutral position. See Policies below).

But we don't just focus on overdevelopment, rates and trees... We have released a range of ACT-specific policies including Economy & Jobs, Energy, Environment, Gambling, Housing, Planning, Public Service, Rates, Community Councils.

Further details here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/act

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. (No more than 200 words in 8 pt arial font, )

Sustainable Australia outlines important community consultations in our Policy platform, outlined here: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/act

We appreciate the good work of community organizations like CAPaD and if elected would seek feedback and input from CAPaD on our democratic processes. Rather than follow the specific CAPaD charter, we have developed our own significant policy framework that is underpinned by greater community consultation, transparent governance and participation through more transparent reporting of political lobbying and all financial contributions, and citizen initiated referenda or plebiscites Also see: http://www.votesustainable.org.au/security_privacy_governance/

Signed John Haydon Date 07/10/16

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 13 4. LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE Jessica Adelan- Langford Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

http://canberraliberals.org.au/our-people/adelan-langford/

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 14 Jeremy Hanson Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

http://canberraliberals.org.au/our-people/hanson/

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 15 Peter Hosking Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee. (CS)

http://canberraliberals.org.au/our-people/hosking/

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 16 Paul House Liberal Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee.

http://canberraliberals.org.au/our-people/house/

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 17 Giulia Jones Liberal MLA Candidate for Murrumbidgee.

http://canberraliberals.org.au/our-people/jones/

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 18 5.THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE PARTY (ACT) CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE

Michael Lindfield Community Alliance Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 19 Nancy-Louise Scherger Community Alliance Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 20 6. LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE Fergus Brown Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 21 Brendan Cumpston Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 22 Roman Gowor Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 23 Tom Hamer Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 24 Alexander Klinkon Liberal Democrat Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 25 7. ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE

Deborah Field Animal Justice Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 26 Jessica Montagne Animal Justice Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 27 8. GREENS PARTY CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE Caroline Le Couteur Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

www.actgreens.org.au/caroline-lecouteur-for-murrumbidgee

My name is Caroline Le Couteur and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly for the Greens electorate of Murrumbidgee

These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. I was a Greens parliamentarian in 2008 – 2012. Together with the other Greens I made a difference in the ACT in many ways including: Legislated green house gas and renewable energy targets, Better planning consultationMore money for mental healthI grew up in Canberra and have lived here most of my life. Prior to becoming a member of the Legislative Assembly I had worked in IT and renewable energy in the Federal and ACT governments and then was a founder and executive director of Australian Ethical Investments which is now an ASX listed company with $1.5 billion under management. I currently work part time for a small NGO, the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, whose mission is to empower shareholders to lead to a more sustainable companies and thus a more sustainable Australia.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. There is no doubt in my mind that climate change is the most important issue facing my constituents, and indeed all people. If we do not address it, then there will be rapid change in our planet’s weather leading to loss of life of people and extinction of many species. In fact, this has already started. As noted above, the Greens passed legislation on this and continue to work on it. I am particularly interested in building a more sustainable Canberra because much of our recent development is making Canberra less sustainable. Making our transport system more sustainable, with public transports’, walking and cycling is part of that. The second issue is rising inequality in Canberra. This is just unfair, and leads to hardship and a breakdown of community. The Greens have policies for more affordable housing and to reduce homelessness as well as addressing domestic violence. Thirdly its important that our government works for the community, not just for wealthy donors. This is also an issue I am working on with ACCR. If elected, here is how I plan to ensure that I am representing the interests of my constituents If elected, I will listen to my constituents. I will read (and answer) correspondence, attend community events and continue to have mobile offices. Where there are specific issues I will consider things such as forums, surveys and Assembly inquiries so as to best determine the interests of my constituents. If I am in a position to, I will instigate some deliberative democracy processes to see how they can work for the ACT government issues – see answer 4 below for more detail. I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows: 1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the Australian people. 2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private, within one month of receipt, towards my election campaign and political activity. As well as that - The ACT Greens commit to electoral funding reform to: ● Ban political donations from developers, corporations and organisations with vested interests; ● Only allow donations from individuals in the ACT and capped at $5,000; and ● Require monthly public disclosure of political donations, and funding on a public website, in non-election periods and weekly disclosure during election periods. In the last week of the election campaign, the ACT Greens would require daily disclosure from political parties. 3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”. A fair go is important – and it includes a fair go for those who need it most...the Greens will work to ensure that all our policies and responses prioritise those who are the most disadvantaged in our community - people who live with low incomes, disabilities, or in other disadvantaged groups. We value the contributions of all people in our society, and we understand that most people have times in their lives where they need support and assistance to get through. We believe in an inclusive society where all Canberrans can participate in our community and live fulfilling and rich lives. 4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy and legislative decisions. The ACT Greens understand that community consultation and engagement must be meaningful, otherwise governments lose the trust of the community. There is no purpose to having community consultations where the outcomes have already been decided by Government, or where there isn’t a meaningful opportunity to have an impact. We support the use of deliberative democracy mechanisms and would like to see these mechanisms used more at specific decision-making points. n“As such, the ACT Greens will conduct a review of the Budget process in 2017 to be undertaken in consultation with the community, and with the express objective of establishing participatory budget setting processes in the ACT.” 5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the general population and the integrity of the planet) ahead of sectional, corporate, (party), personal, religious or other interests. The ACT Greens are committed to putting the community first. That means putting the community and the planet we depend on ahead of big business and corporate interests. The ACT Greens are a member-driven party that is made up of members of our community. They develop our policies and inform the decisions of our elected representatives for, and on behalf of, the community. 6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the Australian people and Parliament in my role as an elected representative.

Signed by Caroline Le Couteur on 9th September 2016

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 28 Emma Davidson Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

www.actgreens.org.au/caroline-lecouteur-for-murrumbidgee

My name is Emma Davidson and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of ! Murrumbidgee!

I am endorsed to represent Greens! These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. (No more than 200 words – in 8pt Arial font)

I have met with many Federal and local politicians in my community advocacy work, and have seen the difference it makes when elected representatives take the time to listen to their community. I am continually working towards being a better listener myself when working with the community, something I talked about at TEDxCanberra in 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bZH5C2b_RI

I have worked as a community advocate on issues including housing affordability, gender equality, welfare and tax reform, healthcare, public education, and community spaces for more than a decade. Groups I have been involved with include Friends of the Birth Centre (a founding member and former convenor), Save Melrose Primary, Maternity Coalition ACT (Branch President), Women's Electoral Lobby (National Secretary), Fair Trade Association, and Equality Rights Alliance. I have also worked as a public servant in policy areas, where I have seen the practical issues relating to implementation; and managed a cost centre as an IT manager in Navy. I was a website editor for the Australian Medical Association, and for the past two years have worked for a local small business in IT. I’m also Canberra’s slowest roller derby referee – I like to play fair.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. (no more than 200 words – in 8 pt Arial font)

Housing affordability and cost of living is something that we all think about, but has a much greater impact on lower income households in Canberra. I am proud to be part of the Greens because of their long-term commitment and real action on increasing public and community housing, making rental housing more energy efficient to reduce costs, and plans to increase funding for crisis accommodation for women escaping violence.

The Greens have also demonstrated vision and courage by backing their long-held policy to improve Canberra's public transport network with the start of light rail construction, and the announcement to bring light rail to Woden in Stage 2. I look forward to a future where light rail connects all our town centres, and active transport and more buses help us travel within our suburbs. It means reduced carbon emissions, an active population, an enjoyable way to travel, and frees up roads and carparks for those who need to travel by car. The money we save on car parking can be better spent in small businesses in our local economy, and our community will be more connected. Literally crossing the north-south divide with light rail!

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. (No more than 200 words in 8 pt arial font, )

It seems obvious, but making time to listen to representatives from community groups is what the job of an MLA should be all about. I have seen the difference this makes in policy work first hand. While some major party politicians were always too busy to take a meeting or a phone call when I was a community advocate, the Greens were always able to find time. In fact, they would support community groups in getting access to their elected representatives by organising joint meetings with their party colleagues, so we didn't have to organise multiple separate meetings. Or they would sponsor room bookings at Parliament House so we could hold information sessions on important policy issues for all politicians and their advisors to attend.

I have been very impressed with 's ability to deliver on more than 80% of the community priorities on his list in return for supporting the ALP government. That he had a publicly accessible list of what he wanted, consistent with the policies the Greens took to that election, and is on the public record for his ability to achieve against those requests demonstrates integrity. That's how the Greens roll!

I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows: (NB If you are uncomfortable with the wording in any these statements, please amend them and show any amendments in italics and underline them)

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT.!

2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws.*! Not only that - The ACT Greens commit to electoral funding reform to:! • Ban political donations from developers, corporations and organisations with vested interests;! • Only allow donations from individuals in the ACT and capped at $5,000; and! • Require monthly public disclosure of political donations, and funding on a public website, in non-election periods and weekly disclosure during election periods. In the last week of the election campaign, the ACT Greens would require daily disclosure from political parties.! 3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”.! What about a fair go for those who need it most...the Greens will work to ensure that all our policies and responses prioritise those who are the most disadvantaged in our community - people who live with low incomes, disabilities, or in other disadvantaged groups. We value the contributions of all people in our society, and we understand that most people have times in their lives where they need support and assistance to get through. We believe in an inclusive society where all Canberrans can participate in our community and live fulfilling and rich lives.!

4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions.

5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests.

6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Signed______Date: 08/09/2016! !

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 29 Jennifer Faerber Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS)

www.actgreens.org.au/caroline-lecouteur-for-murrumbidgee

My name is Jennifer Faerber and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Murrumbidgee. I am endorsed to represent the ACT Greens.

These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian. First and foremost, I am a resident of Murrumbidgee with family and friends all over Canberra. I have a vested interest in putting the community first to help this Territory become even more liveable, sustainable and just. I am a first homebuyer, a young professional, a keen cyclist and participant in the cultural life of our city, with both the drive and experience to make a contribution via the Legislative Assembly. For the past two and a half years I have worked in the Federal Parliament as a communications adviser for the Leader of the Australian Greens. I have a strong understanding of the responsibilities of a parliamentarian, a great respect for the value of ongoing community engagement, and practical experience in parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Prior to working in politics I was a radio journalist in Sydney, Jindabyne, Canberra and Canada, reporting on everything from community events like the Relay For Life, to local council meetings and corruption hearings at the NSW ICAC. I have seen governments at their best and worst, and am determined to make a contribution for the better here in the ACT.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. My vision for Canberra is as a compassionate, clean, connected community. I want the ACT Greens in our Legislative Assembly to enable all Canberrans to live fulfilling lives in a safe climate that can sustain our health, our environment and our economy. To support that vision, the Greens are heading into this election with a focus on transport, affordable housing and integrity in politics. Now that the ACT is on track to meet our 100% renewable energy target by 2020, transport is our next big pollution challenge. Improving public transport is about social equity as well – giving people without a car access to essential services. I’m looking forward to expanding our clean-powered light rail network and redeploying those buses to other routes, to help more Canberrans get around more easily, while polluting less. Investing in mass transit now will help us avoid projections of Sydney-style traffic, and all the lost productivity and environmental damage it brings. While the Federal Liberals keep steering our country in the wrong direction, we need an ACT Assembly that will chart a different course – with support for our community’s most vulnerable people and with the courage to invest in setting us up for the future.

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office. The Greens are a grassroots party that has engagement, consultation and accountability at the core of everything we do. Like every Greens MLA before me, if elected I would strive to lead by example for greater integrity and transparency in ACT politics.In my role as a Senator’s staffer, and as a member of the Greens, I’ve both campaigned for and been involved in ensuring the appropriate use of allowances, appropriate disclosure of donations and consensus decision-making that encourages and enables participation. Accessibility and responsiveness would be my top priorities – making sure my office is easily contactable in person, over the phone, via email and mail. Social media would be genuinely interactive and I would, as other Greens do, continue activities like shopping centre stalls and doorknocking to connect one-on-one with constituents. I would prompt residents to have their say, make an effort to alert people to opportunities to participate in public consultation processes, invite constituents to important events in the chamber of the Legislative Assembly and regularly report back via newsletters, emails and any other method we may identify as effective over the coming years.

I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows: (NB If you are uncomfortable with the wording in any these statements, please amend them and show any amendments in italics and underline them)

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT.

2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws.*

3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”.

4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions.

5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests.

6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Signed by Jennifer Faerber 11 September 2016

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 30 9. UNGROUPED CANDIDATES FOR MURRUMBIDGEE

Robbie Swan Australian Sex Party Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 31 Margaret Webber Independent Candidate for Murrumbidgee

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 32 Brendan Whyte Independent Candidate for Murrumbidgee (CS) [email protected]

My name is Brendan Whyte and I am a candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly in the electorate of Murrumbidgee

I am Independent

These are my principal qualifications for being a parliamentarian

A concerned citizen independent of national political parties.

If elected, these are the issues that I see as the most important for the long-term benefit of all my constituents and towards which I will be working on their behalf. (no more than 200 words – in 8 pt Arial font)

Homelessness and housing affordability should be top priorities, whoever is elected. I want to: - reduce MLA salaries to the average fulltime ACT salary; remove extra allowances such as the $25,000 transport allowance and other perks such as business class flights. - Reform political donation laws. - Inaugurate a half-hourly 7-day ACTION city-to-airport bus; put MyWay card reloaders in every neighbourhood shopping centre (inc. Curtin); abolish preset reload amounts; reduce cash fares to MWay levels; reduce MyWay card fee to actual cost; use bus rear doors to speed disembarking; and abolish the fine for not tagging off. - Ensure school playgrounds, tennis courts and sports fields are available for public use outside school hours (and not fenced off). - Remove or redesign the ugly Tuggeranong Parkway kangaroo fence. - Retain Woden’s pitch’n’putt as public open space. - Ensure the planning process takes greater account of citizen submissions regarding development applications. - Implement a sustainable population policy. - Vegetate gravel & concrete traffic islands & median strips. - Abolish the Moore St exclusion zone. - Rescind the ban on golliwogs at Canberra hospital. - Stop the kangaroo cull. - Return the tradition of prayer to the opening Assembly sessions.

If elected, this is how I plan to represent my constituents. I.e. how I will engage with, consult and report to the electorate during my term in office.

I will abide by the CAPaD Charter of Democratic Commitments as follows:

1. I will at all times tell the truth to the citizens and voters of Canberra and be honest in all aspects of my work as an elected representative of the people of the ACT.

2. I will fully disclose and make public the sources and value of all political funding donations, contributions, gifts public and private in line with ACT electoral laws.*

3. I undertake to be fair, ethical, compassionate and diligent in serving my electorate and the nation at all times, and to uphold the Australian value of “a fair go for all”.

4. I will promote and support participatory and deliberative methods for policy, planning and legislative decisions.

5. I will place the public interest (the welfare and wellbeing of the community as a whole and the integrity of the planet) ahead of personal interests.

6. I will never abuse or misuse the allowances, subsidies, concessions and privileges accorded to me by the people of the ACT and the ACT Legislative Assembly in my role as an elected representative.

Signed: Brendan Whyte Date: 11 Oct 2016

Authorised by Prof Bob Douglas on behalf of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy 33