Election Candidate Surveys

Candidates for Maryborough / QLD Legislative Assembly Election 2015


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All Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5Q6Q7Q8Q9Q10

Scoring Key


Yes, Definitely10Probably7Unsure5Unlikely3Definitely Not2No Comment1

Candidate scores

BP = Ballot Position / = previously sitting member / = personal response / = party response
BP Candidate Party Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5Q6Q7Q8Q9Q10 Total
1HUXHAM, DamianOne Nation----------0
2MADDERN, AnneLiberal National Party1072352325241
3WEBB, KatherineThe Greens----------0
4ANDERSON, StephenPalmer United Party10115110111132
5FOLEY, ChristopherIndependent----------0
6WATTIE, RussellIndependent----------0
7SAUNDERS, BruceAustralian Labor Party----------0

Questionnaire


Prayers in parliament are an important daily reminder that we must all ultimately answer to the higher authority of Almighty God. The prayers, which consist of the Lord's Prayer and a request for God's guidance, are an expression of the Christian foundation of our nation. According to the latest census, about 61% of Australians identify with Christianity.

Would you vote to support the continued opening of parliament with Christian prayers?

Abortion is a criminal offence in Queensland, although a limited defence may be available for abortions performed for a serious threat to the mother’s physical or mental health. A bill to legalise abortion would remove any restraint on doctors and leave the unborn child without any legal protection.

Would you oppose any bill to legalise abortion?

The Nordic model of prostitution law adopted by Sweden and other countries – including Canada in 2014 – has cut sex trafficking significantly. This model targets pimps, madams and procurers, makes it an offence to buy or advertise sexual services, and helps prostitutes quit their damaging trade.

Would you support legislation to replace the current Queensland prostitution laws with a law based on the Nordic model?

Bullying of any kind is never acceptable. But the Safe Schools Coalition Australia “anti-bullying” program ignores the most common forms of bullying, instead focusing on and normalising homosexual and transgender behaviour. It has been linked with reverse bullying, and could increase identity confusion. By contrast, programs such as the CASSE Peaceful Schools program are successfully addressing the root causes of all bullying.

Would you recommend that schools replace the Safe Schools Coalition Australia program with an alternative such as CASSE?

Outdoor advertising is currently self-regulated under the Australian Association of National Advertisers code of ethics. But there are no enforceable penalties – and Queensland parents have been powerless to protect their children from offensive and harmful outdoor advertising on billboards, rental vans, bus shelters etc.

Would you support a move requiring any advertising in a space viewed by children to abide by the “G” classification guidelines?

Parliamentary committees were given greater responsibilities following the Bligh government’s Integrity and Accountability inquiry – but these changes have failed to prevent abuses of government power in the unicameral Queensland parliament. The re-establishment of an upper house that is more representative of the electorate is urgently required.

Would you vote to restore an appropriately designed Legislative Council?

The possession, production, distribution or display of child pornography is illegal in Queensland. However this damaging material is freely available if it is considered to have “artistic merit”. Children need protection from all child pornography.

Would you support the removal of the “artistic merit” defence for child pornography?

Queensland law allows any single person or couple – married, de facto or same-sex (with some restrictions) – to contract with a woman to carry and give birth to and hand over a child. Donor sperm and donor eggs may be used. This treats the child as a commodity, may harm the surrogate mother, and deprives a child of the right to his/her own natural mother and father.

Would you vote to repeal any law regulating surrogacy?

Queensland law currently permits adoption by de facto couples of two year’s standing. Research evidence confirms that children flourish best when raised by a mother and a father who are married to each other. De facto relationships are significantly less stable than marriages. Before being entrusted with an adopted child, a man and a woman should be prepared to make the public, lifelong commitment of marriage.

Would you support a repeal of the law giving de facto couples the right to adopt children?

Current vilification laws prohibit inciting “severe ridicule” based on religion, sexuality or gender identity. These laws unjustly discriminate against free speech when a diversity of views is legitimate. They also restrict freedom of religion by inhibiting speaking about other religions or matters of sexuality or gender identity. A free society needs to accommodate robust debate on these matters.

Would you support a bill to remove vilification offences based on religion, sexuality and gender identity?

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