What motivated you to run for the seat of Hunter?
I am standing as a candidate as I feel it is the best way that I can hope to repair some fundamental problems that I see in the nation around me. Firstly families are struggling not only financially but relationally. The government must provide marriage and parenting support to all that seek it. The family is the foundation of the nation. The government should protect our economy from the world economy, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. I don’t see either of the major parties doing this so I see it as my duty to “rattle their cage” on behalf of you the people of hunter should you give me the opportunity.
What do you think are the major issues in the electorate?
I believe that the biggest issue to face for Singleton & Muswellbrook in the short term is traffic control. I applaud the expressway extension which is almost complete but we must move immediately to continue that extension to the north of Aberdeen. The Scone level crossing would then be the next priority. This would alleviate the traffic problems associated with the New England highway for some time.
A much larger and long term issue that faces all of the hunter electorate and indeed all of the nation is that of mining and coal seam gas. It seems that we have forgotten the fact that that this nation cannot survive without
food, food does not grow on the supermarket shelves, it grows on agricultural land. Mining can produce a high income over the short term but after it has finished the land is unsuitable for agriculture for many years if ever. Farming on the other hand produces a lower annual income but can do so indefinitely. I am not anti-mining, we should access the mineral wealth of this land but only in areas where it will not affect agriculture or the water systems necessary to support it.I support encouraging agriculture and manufacturing as the long term future for Australia.
If elected what will be your first prirority?
As mentioned above I would use whatever power I had to continue the Hunter Expressway ASAP. Also to halt any further CSG drilling until PROVEN safe. Family impact would be a major consideration in voting for any bill that would come before me.
Have you run for federal government before?
No I have never been a candidate for a federal election any election in the past.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what skills you think you can bring to the job?
I am a plant mechanic by trade and have operated a small business in that role for the past 22 years. I believe that the greatest asset that I would bring to the job is that I am not a traditional politician but that I do know the issues facing small business having worked in that area for many years. I know the issues facing families having raised 2 children in the Hunter Valley. I know the issues facing farmers having worked with them for many years. I know the issues facing aboriginal Australians having lived and worked with them in the past. I know you the average Australian Hunter resident because I am one of you. I have a passion to see this nation restored to the place of stability and prosperity that we once had. I have a mandate under almighty God to do so with integrity and honesty.
It’s a safe Labor seat , how do you rate your chances of winning this election?
I acknowledge that I have very little chance of winning this election but that is not in my hands but in the hands of the people of the Hunter Valley. I simply do the best that I can with what I have available to
me at the time, and I believe that is what I have done during this campaign. Whatever happens I don’t believe that this seat will be as safe a Labor seat after the election as it is now.
What do you think is your biggest challenge in this election?
Seeing through the lies to find the truth buried beneath. To establish a government that has a long term plan for this nation, rather than just getting to the next election. To resuscitate common sense.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me as I would represent them out of a passion for this nation rather than a career choice.
Who will you be preferencing?
My how to vote card will read as follows.
1- STRETTON Richard. CDP
2- JOHNSEN Michael. NAT
3- FOX bill 1 NATION
4- LAWLER Ann CEC
5- STEFANAC Jennifer PUP
6- FITZGIBBON Joel LAB
7- ATWELL David GREENS
VIEWER QUESTION from Anne Dand What plans do each party have to address the ageing population?
The ageing population is going to be an ongoing problem as there will be less younger Australians to financially carry more older Australians. I believe that government needs to encourage and assist all Australians to own their own home prior to retirement and to encourage all older Australians to continue to contribute to society after retirement. Many already do but our older generation have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is not well utilized at the moment. The best thing that I could do to protect the
general pension is to abolish parliamentary pensions as this would mean that the politicians themselves would be on that pension one day, I think that would make a huge difference.
