policies

 

A brief run down of my policies.  All are based on my platform of 20 Keys for Governing

 

Some important notes:

 

Click on the name for more information on any category.  Policies are first released on my blog then later published here.

 

 

 

Abortion

Opposed, except in cases like rape and incest.

 

Bill of Rights
Though I don't see a current crisis, Australia needs a Bill of Rights to protect the civil liberties of it's citizens. When we need it most, we will have the least power to get it.
 

Child Care

I oppose government funded child-care

 

Compulsory Voting

I oppose compulsory voting.  I believe it increases the quantity of the voting, but does nothing for the quality of the vote.

 

Defence
Defence forces should be sufficient for the defence of Australia. I oppose pre-emptive strikes and international policing efforts.

 

Economics
I support a free market with almost no government involvement.  This system works fine if there is justice, legal equality and freedom to trade.
 

Education

Simplify.  Cut Bureaucratic elements.  Put the power in the parents hands.  Federally funded, each student below 18yrs is allocated the same amount of funds which is paid direct to the school.   This is sometimes called Education Vouchers.
 

Environment

Companies and individuals should be responsible for their own pollutants. Landholders should be able to use land at their own discretion, providing it doesn't affect others.   Fuels that pollute should have the cost for reparation embedded in the price.

 

Gay Marriage

I am opposed to legal recognition of gay marriages particularly because I believe this will lead to the adoption of children.   In other ways I believe gay couples should have the same legal rights as de facto couples.

 

Government
Government is an important cog in our society, but is only a part and not necessarily a central part. Kept small it's a blessing, let it get grow beyond it's proper role and it becomes a burden to the people.

 

Housing Affordability

Housing unaffordability is really land unaffordability.  State Governments are the main offenders with their greedy stamp duties, land taxes and restricting land release.  Young families don't need a patronizing hand out, they need governments to stop causing the problem in the first place!  I will investigate the role the Federal Government can have in stripping the State Governments of control over urban boundaries and property rights.

 

Illicit Drugs

Though I am totally opposed to any addictive drug or mind altering substance, and have never taken any, I do support the eventual decriminalisation of them.

 

Immigrants and Citizenship

I have 3 conditions for immigration and citizenship.  1. Loyalty to Australia and it's people.  2. Learn English.  3. Respect Australian law and democracy.

 

Multiculturalism

It is not the government's role to endorse or discourage multiculturalism.  People can choose for themselves how to live their lives, providing it is not harming others.  See also Immigrants

 

Price Linking

Keep taxes linked to their own sphere.  (ie car rego fees should be used only for roads)

 

Republic
If given the preference I support Australia being a Republic.

 

Socialism

I oppose the increasing centralisation of Australian government, and the amount of intrusion it has in Australians lives.  Things should only be done collectively only when absolutely necessary - ie defence, police, roads.  Socialism means compulsory co-operation, while I prefer voluntary co-operation.

 

State Government Relations

Governance should be kept at the most local level posssible.  Councils should only do what individuals cannot, States should only do what Councils cannot, and the Federal Government should have the least areas of control.   By this, control and consequence are kept as close to the people as possible.

 

Subsidies

I favour the reduction and eventual elimination of all government subsidisation.  This includes farm, industry, social welfare, football teams etc

 

Tax

As a first preference I support a poll tax with a mercy clause.   I prefer a consumption tax (like GST) to an income tax.  In any case, the tax system needs to be greatly simplified to prevent the numerous loop holes and favouritism to lobby groups.

 

Welfare
I prefer to see people being helped by charities than government welfare. Let the people be taxed less and let them help their own families and neighbours first, then support the charities that they deem as most worthy.