By NIKKI TODD
SIX candidates are standing for the seat of Richmond at Saturday’s poll. The Tweed Coast Weekly posed a series of questions to each of them to help you decide who to vote for. The candidates, and their answers, are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.
Questions:
1) What do you love most about Richmond?
2) Why did you decide to contest this election?
3) What are the three main issues for the electorate?
4) Where do you see Richmond in 2030?
Candidate 1: John Ordish (Christian Democratic Party), South Grafton, website maintenance.
1. It echoes all that is great about the sun and sea.
2. Our country is desperate for stability. No one knows what is going on
from one minute to the next.
3. Small business employment, particularly for youth, the Pacific Highway,
roads and bridges and farming/environment.
4. The centre of activity and tourism on the coastal area and in the farming
areas producing world class products. A high employment rate and excellent
education possibilities for all young people.
Candidate 2: Kevin Skinner (Independent), Chinderah, hotelier
1. I love the beaches and weather.
2. I entered local government thinking there was no politics there, but I was disappointed to find there was. I decided to enter the federal arena because I think I can do more good there.
3. Economy and small business, I support assistance to small business by cutting red tape, implementing tax reform and improving infrastructure and making it easier to employ people. The environment and increased investment in viable renewable energy and roads and transport – it is essential to secure funding urgently to assist Tweed and adjoining councils to upgrade their roads.
4. In 2030, the population of this region from Coffs Harbour to Noosa and out to Toowoomba will hold 25 per cent of Australia’s population. That indicates we are at crisis point already in supplying the necessary infrastructure to retain those people. It’s time for innovative thinking together with urban consolidation to protect our natural environment.
Candidate 3: Matthew Fraser (Nationals), Banora Point, owner/operator
1. I love many areas of Richmond and its people, from the hinterland to the sea with a vibrant but relaxed culture. I have seen the many talents of the people on display at fairs and markets.
2. I chose to contest in this election because I have had enough. Enough of this Labor/Greens/Independent government who have threatened the future of our country through their fiscal fiasco.
3. The three main issues for the electorate this election are cost of living, creating more jobs and fixing our roads, all of which I believe are the most important in ensuring a prosperous future for the people of Richmond.
4. In 2030, I see Richmond as a thriving electorate that has further utilised its positive aspects from tourism to trade.
Candidate 4: Justine Elliot (ALP), Nunderi, MP
1. What I love most about the region are the vibrant villages, towns and events that combine to create such a strong community.
2. I’m standing for election because I want to make the North Coast an even better place to live and raise a family. I want to deliver more jobs, better schools, quality health care, and fast and affordable broadband. I’m also fighting to stop harmful coal seam gas mining on the North Coast.
3. This election is a referendum on CSG mining. As a mum and a local, I’m totally opposed to harmful CSG mining and I stand with the community in opposing it. I also want more services – better schools, quality health care and fast and affordable broadband. Creating the jobs of the future and protecting wages by keeping penalty rates and overtime are also essential.
4. My vision for Richmond is having the area declared CSG-mining free. I believe CSG presents too great a risk to residents, our environment, farms, valleys, and communities. The fight to stop CSG demonstrates our region is so much more than just the beautiful beaches and hinterland; it’s about the strength of the people and groups that live here.
Candidate 5: Dawn Walker (Greens), Fingal Head, small business consultant
1. I love living in this beautiful environment among a vibrant, caring local community.
2. I have always been committed to social and environmental justice. Politics is a natural progression from many years of working in and listening to the local community. I want to ensure that decisions made in Canberra sustain our local environment, farmers, small business people and community.
3. Stop CSG – protect our clean water, clean air and precious environment from this toxic industry. Reverse cuts to single parent’s benefits and universities and raise Newstart above the poverty line. Get a fair price for Australia’s mineral resources to fund essential community services like education through Gonski, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and bring dental services under Medicare.
4. A Green Richmond is CSG free. Local young people will have excellent educational opportunities at our well-resourced schools and higher education facilities and clean local jobs in the renewable energy industry. Local farmers will be producing food from our rich red soil and sold direct to locals through well-funded local markets and farm gate outlets. Our children will stay and raise their children here among our clean rivers, ocean and mountains.
Candidate 6: Phil Allen (Palmer United Party), Fingal Head, orthopaedic surgeon
1. I love Richmond’s lush green environment, its unspoilt beaches and its eclectic communities. Over the years, the thousands of patients I have treated in the area have fostered in me a love for this area.
2. The two traditional parties have let Richmond decay as they have put all their energy into bickering with each other. Neither has a plan to increase national and regional prosperity and there is little to tell them apart: that’s why I am standing.
3. Spiralling cost of living, chronic unemployment and falling business confidence is plaguing Richmond. We can turn that around by returning 25 per cent of wealth back to regional Australia, stimulating the economy and reducing taxation.
4. I have a vision of Richmond as a vibrant, prosperous regional community, full of diversity nestled in its pristine environment. I and my team at Palmer United have the ideas and passion to make this happen.
