What motivated you to run for the seat of Newcastle?
My motivation to run for the seat of Newcastle are many but to name a few
1. We need safe communities and a safe environment by covering coal wagons, stopping CSG until a safe extraction method is found, protecting our homes from flooding, protecting our peoples homes from repossession via effective debt counselling and debt management by programs like the Christians Against Poverty offer, controlling anti-social behaviour via providing wholesome entertainment for our young people.
2. Completing promised infrastructure like the Highway 123 (78 years and still waiting), completing the link between the F3 and the Raymond Terrace Bypass, complete the divided dual lane connection to Nelsons Bay from Newcastle.
3. Deliver Newcastle Airport as Sydney’s second airport with a very fast train link to Sydney, show the way to improve public transport in Newcastle by retaining rail to Newcastle as a modified tram/train conversion with a single ticket across all modes of transport with fully interconnecting services.
4. Establishing the principles of Honesty, Integrity and Accountability to underpin all of government.
Is this the first time you have contested a Federal election?
No, I have contested Federal elections on a number of occasions.
What issues are important to you in the electorate?
Delivering a better pollution free Newcastle with honesty, integrity and accountability in government where job creation numbers will be honest and not just the raw count of new applications for employee tax deductions. It is my considered view that the people of Newcastle will endure hardship if they are treated with the respect of an honest government; as well refer to my answer to question 1.
* What would be your first priority if elected?
Fix public transport and our promised incomplete roads and roll back anti social behaviour.
* What will people be getting if they vote for you?
An honest strong willed person who will deliver strong outcomes for Newcastle so that the people will be wondering why they could not get them from all the previous Labor members. A strong person who will defend Australia and our life style by protecting small business by a strong competition policy, scaling back on our overseas job migration and the sale of our land to non citizens.
Who will you be preferencing?
Preferencing is a decision by head office and the principle is based upon those candidates/parties whose moral and policy options are closely aligned with our positions and commitments.
* How do you rate your chances of winning?
As equal as to any other candidate.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what skills you think you can bring to the role?
I grew up on a farm, trained and worked as a panel beater, gained vast experience in heavy transport and public transport – as a truck driver, bus driver and a wheelchair taxi driver, I am a husband, a father, member of my church, I have lived a considerable time in both Israel and South Africa, I have visited a number of refugee camps, I have studied economics and aspects of law; so from all that I have a very wide experience in many areas, I have seen how other people do things in other parts of the world, all this would equip me to well and truly represent the needs and aspirations of all people of Newcastle for the betterment of all Australians.
What do you think will be your biggest challenge in this election?
The biggest challenge I face is a media that chooses to concentrate on two candidates only in this electorate, so promoting my policies is very difficult, I, however, thank you for all you are doing with this initiative as this does give a balanced platform for all to put their plans out there for all to see.
Two highly publicised issues in this election have been the issue of same sex marriage and the asylum seeker issues, where do you stand on these issues?
I support the current definition of marriage, I understand the issues some have and I am confident there is a better way forward and would love to sit with all to develop a balanced wholesome position.
Asylum seekers have had a poor and dangerous deal. My position is for us to work with the UN to develop refugee camps close to the points of conflict where we,with others countries, will process the eligibility and transport eligible applicants to appropriate places in safe transport, commencing with the most vulnerable in that way we will stop the need for people travelling on overcrowded, unsafe and dangerous boats. We will not forget the many people who cannot travel because of the circumstances they find themselves in and the potential threat to their life if they attempt to travel, for example the Coptic’s in Egypt.
