Election ‘22: Meet the candidates
With Australia set to go to the polls on Saturday, May 21, Dubbo Photo News’ TIJANA BIRDJAN sought answers to a set of questions posed to each of the candidates who at the time of going to print, had thrown their hats into the ring to represent the people of the Parkes Electorate in Canberra. Here, in alphabetical order are their thoughts on a range of topics.
JACK AYOUB: Australian Labor Party
JACK Ayoub is the Australian Labor Party candidate for the Parkes electorate. Born and raised in Coonabarabran, Jack is 26 years old and is an official for the Australian Workers Union.
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What experiences and education have you had that give you the qualifications to represent this vast federal electorate as our representative in Canberra?
My engagement in politics was always there, throughout my education at St John’s College I founded a forum which enabled people from the college to share their different ideas. I was also educated at the University of Sydney. Over the years I formed a friendship with Bob Carr who led me into the direction of politics.
What are the biggest issues facing Australia and how would you fix them?
We are witnessing a huge issue of geopolitics with security and that is very clear looking at the Solomon Islands. Housing has always been an issue, we are facing a $10b housing crisis with no accommodation available. I grew up regionally and in housing commission, so I understand a needing to upgrade our housing status. A huge issue we’re facing is health across the nation with health worked being overworked during the pandemic. Labor established Medicare and have a clear plan for aged care. Many of us know the aged care industry is very sub-par and we want to fix that.
How will our debt burden impact future generations?
Without a question – we are in unprecedented circumstances. We are currently experiencing no credibility with high amounts of debt and deficit and the Federal Budget only reinforced this. You need to make investments and structural change to dividends to provide long term and full-time sustainable work for generational flow.
Is the two-party system broken?
It is the best worst system we have. It’s great because it provides us to be critical and responsible of our own party and seek out strong candidates to get them into parliament and support change. The parliament currently presents an endless stream of political hacks of individuals who worked in an office and (have) taken over that office. They need to be instructed to lift their game and if people want to make a change they should enter the political arena – it’s not good enough to shout from the sidelines. By having your voice heard, you can make an impact on the Australian political system.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
Out of all the questions, I really had to think about this one. I would have to go with red. I’m a red head and Labor is red.
Do you have any pets?
I don’t at the moment, but I’m still very fond of my dog that I had growing up. My dad bought a black brindle after my mum passed.
How will you lobby the importance of regional health and ensure people of the Parkes electorate will not be a shadow behind metropolitan areas?
My mum was a nurse, so I spent a lot of my youth in regional hospitals that provided a range of services and specialised staff, however, over time it has become a glorified waiting space. The mammoth bureaucracy is slowing things down. We need to change GP business models to provide sustainability and build relationships with our communities. It is almost impossible to gain access to GP – (they) must pay for their premises, nurses and all other costs and it is time for reform to make it more accessible for our community.
With everything going on in the world currently, how well do you think Australia is handling it politically?
The government is presenting us in an ‘un-australian’ light by degrading and disrespecting us on the world stage. With our geopolitical and our international political history, Australia is being represented as an arrogant outcast when it comes to acting on climate change. We are not doing fundamentally well by tearing up contracts and Labor will proudly rebuild Australia’s reputation and national security.
Are you prepared to listen and to vouch for your people?
Absolutely, without qualification. In my community I have spoken about a community safety forum regarding the crime wave we are experiencing at the moment. I have been gathering and filtering letters to make change. Even though, I am not elected yet, the community have my support to reflect their decisions made. My goal is to present an accurate depiction of the community and to see the right thing done by the people elected.
With most states being Labor and NSW being Liberal, how do you think this will affect the federal election?
I don’t think it will influence the federal election too much, however, we do know that people want change. For changes to be made, a change in votes is required.
What is your favourite charity and why?
It is Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets. I was extremely lucky to be a recipient when my father died, and I was on the borderline of being homeless. They really supported me, and I was honoured to sing at a large gala event they had in Sydney. I’m a really big fan of the organisation and they truly impacted my life.
MARK COULTON: The Nationals
HE has been the Federal Member for Parkes since 2007, and Mark Coulton will be running for his sixth term to represent the Nationals at the forthcoming election. The 64 year old farmer and grazier has previously held the portfolio as the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government. He has also been the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. •••
What are the biggest issues facing Australia and how would you fix them?
We currently have a lot of industries experiencing staff shortages, so we need to fix the issue of unemployment by securing workers into the vacant positions we already have. I strive to encourage young people into the workforce by providing apprenticeships and whatever needed to make sure the process is comfortable. Australia needs securing more migrants to help drive the economy. How will our debt burden impact future generations?
Our economy is in a much stronger position because of sound economic management which will enable to pay down debt. The Federal Budget enabled long term investments into infrastructure, regional health, and country universities. I’m excited for the Commonwealth and to see more people look for work in regional areas.
Is the two-party system broken?
Not at all. You need to have the two-party structure to provide stability in the parliament. A group of like-minded individuals is important for collaboration and teamwork. There is a balance of healthy competition with various views and policies up for debate.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
I’d say blue, most of the shirts I own are blue.
Do you have any pets?
I don’t have any pets, I had a oneeyed cat that passed during the mouse plague. I have 300 cattle if you would count them as pets.
How will you lobby the importance of regional health and ensure people of the Parkes electorate will not be a shadow behind metropolitan areas?
We have seen a huge improvement with the rural medical school and introduction of 24 junior regional doctors in the Parkes area. There have been funds to secure junior doctors to continue work regionally by implementing training facilities. We need more doctors and health professionals in rural and regional areas, and we are definitely on our way.
With everything going on in the world currently, how well do you think Australia is handling it politically?
I think Australia is handling it very well. There is an increase in defence, and we are increasing our cyber security – I think we are in a strong position.
Are you prepared to listen and to vouch for your people?
I will always represent the Parkes election and listen to the people. Being a member since 2007 – I view it as a great privilege and never take it easy. Every election I take seriously and plan to represent the electorate as strongly as I can.
What is your favourite charity and why?
I have numerous charities which I support so it is difficult to pick just one. I’ve seen a lot of charities and there are a lot of unseen charities as well which I support.
BENJAMIN FOX: Informed Medical Options Party
BENJAMIN Fox is the Informed Medical Options Party candidate for the Parkes Electorate. Born in Mona Vale and growing up in Parkes, Mr Fox moved to Penrith in 2000 where he met his wife and started his family. He has lived in Dubbo since 2017 and is currently working as a chef with a history in teaching.
••• What experiences and education have you had that gives you the qualifications to represent this vast federal electorate as our representative in Canberra?
I have more qualifications and experience than some members of our current government, not only as a business owner and family man, but as a worker who also understands diligence, resilience, and passion. I’m no longer a teacher after being ostracised, discriminated against, and segregated from my career and community, seeing the over-reaching government implement illogical hypocritical rules and regulations. Firsthand I’ve been catapulted into hard times, and this gives me empathy and an understanding that many current politicians lack.
What are the biggest issues facing Australia and how would you fix them?
Currently Australia is operating under a lawless corrupt government that is out of control. We need truth transparency and accountability in government. Vaccine mandates must end as they have divided community, created job loss, broken families, loss of business and caused both financial and physical stress. Mental health support, I advocate for healthy people and healthy lifestyle to combat physical and mental health. Bring back holistic health support for families and youth and increase quality nutritional and lifestyle education.
How will our debt burden impact future generations?
Currently the burden of overwhelming necessity of the health care system with the draconian
government along with the lack of Australian manufacturing is crippling Australia. Let’s bring back Australian manufacturing, shop local, support community then create a holistic healthcare system to restore our great country. By encouraging healthy people, healthy lifestyle, healthy living we ease the health burden eliminating the need for a sickness industry.
Is the two-party system broken?
Yes. We need to remove the two-party stronghold and vote independent and small parties who will represent and serve the will of the people rather than the tow the party line.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
I like all colours but when I was younger burgundy was my favourite. I couldn’t tell you why except that I found it relaxing. Do you have any pets?
Our family loves animals. We have three: a dog and two cats. All of them are rescue pets and they are part of the family.
How will you lobby the importance of regional health and ensure people of the Parkes electorate will not be a shadow behind metropolitan areas?
As an advocate of true health, I will lobby the government with the support of the party and ensure that a new better holistic health system is implemented addressing all health issues creating a healthier society. I’d address issues relating of inconsistent funding and changing of government, particularly the not for profit and charities organisations.
With everything going on in the world currently, how well do you think Australia is handling it politically?
Disastrously. There is no truth transparency and accountability in our government. The people demand and deserve better, we deserve better.
Are you prepared to listen and to vouch for your people?
Absolutely, I will honour respect and serve the will of the people, unlike the current members of parliament. All citizens have the right to be heard in a fair, respectful and democratic way, this is not happening now. It is a disgrace that the people are not being heard by their current members and continue to be discriminated upon with medical services, education, and employment. I am already available to listen to people either online or in person.
With most states being Labor and NSW being Liberal, how do you think this will affect the federal election?
I hope that the Australian people start to realise that Liberal and Labor have destroyed Australia and people start voting independent and small parties to achieve change. If we vote the same, we get the same.
What is your favourite charity and why?
Local small charity Tradies in Sight – Bruno Efoti, the founder is one of the most down to earth real people I know. He witnessed firsthand the devastation that unsupported mental health issues have on our community and set out to make a difference. He achieved more for our community than any other government supported endeavour. To my knowledge he has received little to no government funding, relying on the generous support of the community and small business. I have a lot of respect for him and what he does. Filling the gap in mental health that our government has dropped the ball on.
TRISH FRAIL: The Greens
TRISH Frail is The Greens candidate for the seat of Parkes in the upcoming federal election. Ms Frail recently celebrated her 60th birthday in her hometown of Brewarrina. She owns a small business specialising in native cultural food that opened amid the pandemic.
What experiences and education have you had that gives you the qualifications to represent this vast federal electorate as our representative in Canberra?
I’m in our local council and have been involved in various community organisations throughout the years. I’m a small business owner so I understand the struggles of owning a business during this time.
What are the biggest issues facing Australia and how would you fix them?
Climate change has always been an issue and I think it is our time to tackle it. The party and I plan to talk to farmers and communicate with them so we can work together instead of shutting them down. Health in rural and remote communities is really struggling and I plan to bring in doctors and nurses to those towns maybe two days a week initially, then increase as time goes on. Some doctors cannot commit to five days a week as they are needed in other areas, but if we make slow steps first, we can figure out ways of implementing them in the future. Women and family needs are also an issue that is barely recognised, and we need to address it more in the Parkes Electorate.
How will our debt burden impact future generations?
It’s going to be huge. Until we start providing a fair tax system for everybody, I don’t see it going away.
Is the two-party system broken?
Basically yes – things that were set up over a century ago have not moved with the times.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
Mauve. I find it a very calming colour.
Do you have any pets?
I’m looking after my daughter’s dog, Bingo. He is a blue cattle dog and is everyone’s best friend.
How will you lobby the importance of regional health and ensure people of the Parkes electorate will not be a shadow behind metropolitan areas?
Small communities need doctors, chemists, and allied health professionals. We need to bring an incentive which will bring people into our region and get them to stay. Dentistry is also vital in health care but is not supported on Medicare. The Greens want to implement oral health in our Medicare policies.
With everything going on in the world currently, how well do you think Australia is handling it politically?
We can do things a lot better. Take a look at what is happening with the Solomon Islands, why aren’t we supporting them? We should be working to support them. The tensions between Russia and Ukraine – we should be asking ourselves what else can we do to help and bring them out of there. There are refugees all over the world, so we need to provide more attention and care.
Are you prepared to listen and to vouch for your people?
Yes, the people are the ones who make the country, and we can’t do this without them.
With most states being Labor and NSW being Liberal, how do you think this will affect the federal election?
A lot of change is definitely coming and it’s obvious that the Coalition is not listening to people with issues such as climate change and health. I think it is time for the government to really start listening to the community and not just certain suggestions or ideas.
What is your favourite charity and why?
My favourite charity is Greenpeace as they really care for the whales and the fish in the sea. They help endangered species and are passionate about preventing fossil fuels and support the stance of renewable energy.
PETER ROTHWELL: Liberal Democrats
IN January, Peter Rothwell established a local branch of the Liberal Democrats and is the party’s candidate for the Parkes Electorate. Peter was born in Horsham, Victoria and purchased a farm in the central west in 1998. He has a property in Dubbo.
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What experiences and education have you had that gives you the qualifications to represent this vast federal electorate as our representative in Canberra?
I have no political experience, but I have always had an outside interest. I never really had an ambition to get into politics at all, but the last few years I got sick of where the National Party was heading. The Liberal Democrats formed a branch in Dubbo and the party pushed me to run for the seat of Parkes. It took a lot of thought, but I knew I was passionate enough about the issues we are facing. We have a lot of influential people in our community who are involved in the party.
What are the biggest issues facing Australia and how would you fix them?
Government is becoming too involved in our lives and making us strongly depend on them. Government has taken away an individual’s self-achievement and turned it into their own. We need less government and to put more trust in individuals and empower them to have the courage to get out there and chase their own dreams and decide what is right for them, their families, and their communities. To try and turn that around is massive and I’m not saying it will happen overnight, but we need to stop the rot and start winding it back slowly.
How will our debt burden impact future generations?
The debt is a huge problem – we are well over a trillion dollars in debt. If we average it out and think of an average family of four, that is more than $166,000 per family in national debt. Looking at the two major parties, they’re both big spenders. Referring to the Federal Budget, there is no surplus in the forecast and no vision for the future. All they’ve (The Liberal Party of Australia) done is give a sugar hit to people to secure more votes.
Is the two-party system broken?
It is absolutely broken, in the past 10 years there has been no difference. We need politicians who are in pursuit of the truth. I heard a quote, I’m not sure from where but it says that if you’re in an argument you should never look at winning the argument and that’s what most people do – you should always be in the pursuit of the truth. The two parties are just arguing for the sake of winning and not interested in what the truth is. Democracy should work in a way where everyone is putting their ideas on the table and having discussions about those ideas in pursuit of the truth to see what is best for our country, not to be aligned with a political line.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
Blue, my wife says it shows off my eyes.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I’ve got two working dogs, a town dog who is very spoilt and pet sheep and cattle, but they aren’t really pets. One of my working dogs definitely does work, but the other one is more of a pet than a working dog.
How will you lobby the importance of regional health and ensure people of the Parkes electorate will not be a shadow behind metropolitan areas?
We need to close the gap between city and country. With dialysis machines available, the cancer centre opening, and a large office for NSW Health in Dubbo we are slowly doing that. If there is one thing I can really do something about it would be dialysis treatment in the Central West.
With everything going on in the world currently, how well do you think Australia is handling it politically?
I don’t have a firm opinion on that. We get 15 per cent of our fertiliser from Russia and I know a lot of contracts were torn up due to a lack of supply.
If farmers can be sufficient and provide as much food as we’re used to, we will probably be fine and not experience food shortages in Australia, but they might in other parts of the world. Countries that have come out of poverty, could return to that state again.
When you delve people back into poverty, it has a shocking affect on all sorts of things. If you create wealth, people won’t be concerned about where their next meal is coming from and give more attention to other things, like the environment.
We have to have these discussions in the pursuit of truth and flesh them out. We as individuals can’t possibly come to the right decision, but by thousands of us having a conversation in the public arena, we can find a resolution.
There are always knee jerk reactions to making policies with not a lot of thought going into them.
With most states being Labor and NSW being Liberal, how do you think this will affect the federal election?
Labor will be the next government, but what does that mean? Not much, they’re both similar.
Are you prepared to listen and to vouch for your people?
I’ve got a massive soft spot for small business owners. They put everything out their and risk themselves – it’s so brave. I like to follow brave people and see where they go.
What is your favourite charity and why?
This will be a bit different, it’s not a charity, but individual people in the community. People who volunteer their time to help that community and do it without any fan fair, no show and without a platform. People who dedicate themselves from the goodness of their heart.