Fairfax Digital Media Central West has given Calare’s Federal Election candidates the opportunity to answer the questions our readers posed to them via our social media sites.
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In the lead up to the election we will run a question each day, with the responses we received from candidates.
Each candidate was contacted via phone and email. Their responses are below.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbot have both said they won't strike any deals with minor parties or independents to form government if neither party gains a majority in its own right. How do you feel about this?
John Cobb (Nationals)
No response
Billie Kirkland (Katter’s Australian Party)
The major parties want to rule that is obvious, I am not into power play I am hoping one day that this duopoly will cease to exist and we can have a more democratic Government for the people that pay their salaries.
Ian Lyons (Christian Democratic Party – Fred Nile Group)
I would just have to accept the political situation and try to find ways to put pressure on what ever Government is in power by publicity etc. This situation as any political situation can change rapidly.
Jess Jennings (Labor)
Either leader will have to deal with the reality that is presented as the final election result, and if that requires negotiating another hung parliament, so be it – I don't want to see another election held due to a hung parliament which is itself a clear message from the voters of Australia they are not overly keen on both major parties.
In 2010 Mr Abbott said privately that he would "sell his behind" or words to that effect, to Tony Windsor to become PM, so I don't believe him for one second when he says he would not negotiate if it meant he could move to The Lodge.
Macgregor Ross (Independent)
As a true Independent (meaning I have never been a member of any political party and nor aligned with any party) I pledge to vote on all legislation based on a simply formula: will this legislation – in my opinion - mean people have more or less choice to lead rich and fulfilling lives: If the answer is yes – then yes
Brian Cain (Palmer United Party)
These people are politicians, when the results come in and its close they will continue to do what ever is necessary to gain power. The public doesn't like what has happened and again these statements are Santa Claus politics.
David Mallard (The Greens)
It isn’t surprising that the two old parties are banding together to help themselves. They want absolute power. But the Greens are standing up to the old parties on the issues that matter. By having a Greens MP in the lower house and government not in control of the Senate, we secured great results like Denticare for more than 11,000 families across Calare starting on 1st January, investment in clean energy, technology and biodiversity funds to support regional Australia and tackle climate change. The old parties have turned their back on voters, but voters choose who they elect to the Parliament and they should support someone who will stand up for them.
Anthony Craig (Democratic Labour Party)
Bullshit they will if it means forming government there full of lies misinformation and cover up the truth most of the times
Peter Schultze (Australia First Party)
I strongly support the Constitution. It says the parliament – not political leaders – decide who many ministers there are to be, and who the Ministers are to be. The Governor-General then simply appoints the members of either House who can be appointed to the ministries to which they are most suited. I will vote for the simple procedure that the Australian constitution explicitly requires. I will go public nationally Everyone will know Calare has someone with the backbone and knowledge to apply.
TOMORROW: How are you planning on improving mobile phone coverage in your electorate? Will you lobby for the roll out of digital radio across regional Australia? What are your policies to help the housing situation in towns in your electorate?
