Archive for October 13th, 2008

Media Release: 10 October 2008 Government to Assist Business Rather than Compete. And Planning a Sustainable Canberra with Confidence, say Democrats.

13/10/2008

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President
Candidate for Ginninderra

Media Release: 10 October 2008
Government to Assist Business Rather than Compete. And Planning a Sustainable Canberra with Confidence, say Democrats.

The ACT Democrats have announced their much awaited “Business” and “Planning” Policies.

Launching the policies, ACT Democrats president and candidate for Ginninderra declared “The Democrats will improve the role of government in supporting and facilitating business. We will make it easier for local businesses to get government contracts and encourage an expanded economic base in Canberra.”

For Business, the Democrats will aim to broaden the ACT’s economic base; encourage IT and high-tech industries; work for national standardisation of payroll tax; promote Canberra as a centre for eco-tourism; and make government contracts smaller to give local businesses a chance to compete.

“We will reduce the administrative burden on businesses and make information easy and accessible.” said Mr Churchill

“Canberra’s planning should retain green belts between town centres, and promote transport efficiency and vibrant commercial centres. We need a planning authority that people have confidence in.”

For Planning, the Democrats will involve communities in the planning process’ work towards development that leads to a sustainable Canberra; and make planning decisions independent and transparent.

“We will introduce sensible zoning laws that ensue new developments fit with the existing character of the neighbourhood and prevent ‘opportunistic profiteering!” Mr Churchill announced.

The ACT Democrats want an business environment that is attractive and prosperous. And sensible, sustainable planning for our city.” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill
ACT Democrats President
Candidate for Ginninderra
darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au
Tel: 0412 196 473

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Darren Churchill’s short speech and comments to Gungahlin Community Council, Meet the Candidates Event, 08 October, 2008.

13/10/2008

Darren Churchill’s short speech and comments to Gungahlin Community Council, Meet the Candidates Event, 08 October, 2008.

Introductory 1 minute speech:

G’day!

I’m Darren Churchill. I’m the president of the ACT Democrats; “Ungrouped” candidate for Giinninderra. I’m a registered relief teacher. I’ve worked over at the Gold Creek School in wonderful Nicholls. I also work at one of the gyms here in Gungahlin as a Group Fitness Instructor.

I want to work for better education, better transport, a better health system that keeps it’s professionals in the system. I want to restore accountability to the Assembly to make an effective cross-bench. That regardless of which side wins in the next Election, that we have an independent cross-bench where someone is there from the Democrats to “keep the bastards honest’ a job which we do so well.

Thank you.

Housing:

We believe that every Australian deserves safe, clean, well maintained housing. The ACT Democrats believe in a strong public housing programme and an increase in crisis and emergency accommodation.

On the issue of affordable housing for purchasers, the ACT Democrats believe that it is the role of government to ensure that the land is used for all Canberrans not just for developers. So, we will abolish Stamp Duty for first home buyers, increasing their buying power relative to existing landowners. And ensure that existing development precincts include attractable low-cost housing, suitable for first home buyers. We also support multi-unit developments in a sensible measure in Town Centres where they blend in with existing development.

Decentralisation:

Yes, I agree with the idea of decentralising ACT Governments to Gungahlin. That will help get the workforce base here that creates rhe demand for private-sector businesses to come here to provide the needs for people.

Banning of Donations over $200:

No. The big parties would just find a way around it anyway. All donations should be on the public record.

Aged Care:

Look, I think we need to do something whereby Disability Services can come out and fit homes with rails, ramps and the other facilities for people as they age. I also think with aged accommodation, it’s not just enough to build the accommodation, it also needs to be adequately serviced – and access to medical services, support services and those sort of things as well. And for people staying in private homes, as they age, access to community nursing.

Traffic congestion:

Look, the simplest and most sensible way to ease traffic congestion is to improve the public transport system. And what we need is an overarching transport system that includes decent public transport, sensibly planned roads, a light rail network. And that will ease the congestion and get things happening again.

Thanks.

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