...and another thing

I am passionate about directly engaging with incidents of abuse and neglect ignored by law enforcement and our health and safety regulators, and feel that my voice can make a practical difference to the lives of South Australians. Whilst addressing abuse and neglect will be my focus, I appreciate that electors will want an insight into my thoughts on a range of matters and wish to share my views:

*A re-engagement with the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the process of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians. Like many Australians, I found the government’s rejection of the Uluru Statement offensive and hope that our next parliament can support more meaningful attempts at reconciliation with our First Nations people. I see this path as being shaped by the self-determined wishes of our Indigenous sisters and brothers as our country moves forward informed by the wisdom of the oldest living culture on Earth.

*Support for strong climate action. I acknowledge and accept the scientific evidence that human activity is negatively impacting upon our planet and I’m frustrated by the unscientific arguments against climate action made by many current parliamentarians. Many robustly assert that as we only cause approximately 1% of global emissions, we should wait for the bigger emitters to take action - despite the fact that use of renewable energy in China, United States and India is on the rise.  Many demonise the cheapest methods of electricity generation in solar and wind whilst complaining about the size of our energy bills. Political donations from the mining industry seem to influence support for new coal mines, oil drilling and fracking operations, frequently putting our farms and pristine wilderness areas at risk. Despite the barrage of misinformation, I believe most Australians are deeply concerned by the lack of meaningful climate action in recent years and those who have the financial capacity to put solar panels on their roofs are doing so in record numbers because it makes sense financially and environmentally. We need to transition away from our continued dependence on fossil fuels or risk being left behind by an international marketplace that no longer wants to trade in fuels with significant environmental costs. My position on environmental issues will be continually informed by the hard work undertaken by the Climate Council of Australia. 

*Explore options for an ethical and lawful solution addressing the issue of unexpected maritime arrivals. The continued use and financing of off shore detention centres is a national disgrace and I’m concerned about the damage done to Australia’s international reputation. Whilst understanding the circumstances that lead to this situation over two decades ago, this was a temporary solution that has gone on far too long. I wish to explore more humane options and change the current regime of misery that we preside over. It is not a crime to seek refuge and escape suffering but acknowledge that practically, it’s not possible for the international community to provide safe passage to the destination of choice for asylum seekers. I believe that Australia should be working collaboratively with the UN and like-minded countries rather than exploiting small neighbouring island nations and making wasteful deals with countries with poor human rights records. Many Australians have strongly held views on this issue and I hope we can pragmatically consider options other than the continued abuse of all individuals seeking asylum by boat. Our government is presiding over unprecedented numbers of asylum seekers arriving by plane yet vilifies this smaller cohort by broadly labelling them as rapists, murderers and paedophiles. Whilst my focus will be on abuse and neglect in South Australia, I am deeply troubled by the inaction of the major parties on this issue.

*Remove political advertising off our streets, no pushy pamphleteering on polling day and respecting the privacy of Australians. I see the removal of political advertising off the streets as a common sense measure and it is high time that our politicians put road safety first rather than their need to be elected. Similarly, I find the onerous task of navigating your way to the polling booth past a number of pamphlet foisting individuals totally unnecessary.  I believe that pamphlets should be provided outside the polling booth and that electors may initiate conversations with individuals representing candidates but that these representatives do not obstruct the thoroughfares leading towards the polling booth. Whilst i have an Instagram account, I have serious concerns about political advertising on some other social media platforms. I also do not support politicians and their representatives door-knocking on private residences, the use of robocalls and political advertising sent via sms message.

*Electoral reform around clear discrimination against independent candidates. Currently all ungrouped independent candidates are placed on the extreme right of the large Senate ballot paper and can only receive votes from electors voting below the line. Further inequities arise when one compares the assessment of formal and informal ballots applied to above and below the line voting. For a below the line vote to be regarded as formal, an elector must clearly number candidates 1 through to 6 at a minimum, whilst above the line electors need only mark one box with the number one for the vote to be considered formal.

I am supportive of many of the Liberal Party’s policies backing small business and see merit in their arguments around flexibility, cash flow and reducing red tape. We need to nurture new enterprises and entrepreneurship but recognise that as the profits and scale of any business grow, then the tax burden, social obligations and oversight in general should also strengthen. It’s also been encouraging to hear both major parties make significant announcements and targeted funding addressing family violence, suicide and promoting mental health recently. Here are some brief responses to a range of other topics:

Adani – No more new coal mines in Australia. There are massive question marks around the proposed Carmichael coal mine - the potential for damage to the Great Barrier Reef, Doongmabulla Springs wetlands, groundwater supplies and the Queensland tourism industry. It's also concerning that stories about the systemic bullying of female members of the Liberal party continue to impact on many of the decision making processes of our current government.

Electric Vehicles – I support the transition to electric vehicles and note that this was a bipartisan position in the recent past.

Murray Darling Basin – A Federal Royal Commission is urgently required and the argument for this action becomes more compelling on a weekly basis.  As the list of regional communities suffering from our unhealthy river system grows, more and more questionable conduct by parliamentarians and government agencies continues to arise.

Gay Conversion therapy – I support Labor’s move to ban Gay Conversion therapy.

Limiting Negative Gearing and reducing the Capital Gains tax discount – I support these reforms proposed by Labor and the grandfathering provisions.

Dividend Imputation Credits – I support the Centre Alliance’s calls for Labor to amend their position to include grandfathering provisions for older Australians who have already made their retirement plans.

Pill Testing at Music Festivals – I support a nationwide rollout of pill testing at music festivals. The demonising of pill testing is akin to the fear campaign that surrounded sharps bins in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Abortion – I believe that men have no place in the public discussion around the issue of abortion and should allow women to lead the debate.

Foreign Aid – As a wealthy nation, I believe Australia should stop the unprecedented cuts to foreign aid and re-commit to the previously bipartisan goal of an aid to GNI (Gross National Income) ratio of 0.5%.

I appreciate that some electors will agree with my views on these matters and some disagree but reiterate that my primary focus if elected will be addressing incidents of abuse and neglect in South Australia. If readers would like to know my thoughts on any issue, send a short email to independentagainstabuse@gmail.com and I will try to respond to as many as possible in my next post.

authorised by Brett O’Donnell 126 Muller road Greenacres SA 5086.