Darren Churchill: Australian Democrats Campaigns

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President
Candidate for Ginninderra

Media Release: 13 October, 2008
Churchill to Seselja: Dems say “Better Late than Never” to Libs on Light Rail.

The ACT Democrats have welcomed the Opposition Leader’s announcement of a feasibility study into Light Rail. “It’s about time!” declared Democrats candidate for Ginninderra, Darren Churchill. “Definitely better late than never!”

Canberra news services reported tonight that the Opposition has announced it will spend $8 million dollars to investigate options for Light Rail.

“The Democrats will be holding Mr Seselja to his words.” Mr Churchill said. “This is something the Democrats have been advocating for over seven years. We took a proposal for Light Rail to the election back in 2001. It’s been democrats policy for years!”

“Now that both of the big parties have given agreement to the idea, let’s see if we can get some action” said Mr Churchill. “Labor need to agree to lock in their commitment and to guarantee they won’t shelve it with dirty tricks and rezoning like the did previously with the dragway. And now that the Liberals have announced they are serious, we need to make sure they are true to their word too.”

“It’s great that they have adopted Democrats policy and seen sense on this important issue! But the Democrats are not prepared to be simply a policy “think tank’ for the old parties. We need to make sure they follow up their words with actions.

Mr Churchill announced the Democrats Light Rail Policy two weeks ago at the ACT Light Rail candidates forum. The policy is on the Democrats website at http://www.act.democrats.org.au.

“If elected, Greg Tannahill (Molonglo), and I, Darren Churchill (Ginninderra) will make sure that whoever forms the next government that they honour these and other promises. We will keep the bastards honest!” Mr Churchill concluded emphatically.

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

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President
Candidate for Ginninderra

Media Release: 12 October, 2008:
“Teaching the Others a Lesson!”: ACT Democrats Release Education Policy.

“The ACT Democrats support a fully funded, free and accessible public education system. Canberra should be a national educational showcase with a variety of education options and a college system that is the envy of other states. We want an education system where teachers are recognised and valued as professionals.” announced ACT Democrats Ungrouped candidate for Ginninderra, Darren Churchill, launching the Democrats Education Policy at the start of the fourth school term.

Policy initiatives include: recognising and rewarding our teaching professionals; families to have access to a range of high-quality education options to suit their children and their values; a curriculum that teaches literacy and numeracy but also facilitates responsible citizenship, conflict resolution, multicultural studies, environmental responsibility, and personal health; and support for the construction of Gungahlin College as soon as possible.

“A good education system is an investment in society’s future. We need to return to choice in Education, so parents have options for their children.” said Mr Churchill (a qualified teacher).

“We will also restore the pay and conditions for Relief Teachers to pro-rata of their full-time colleagues. All teachers should be valued and respected!’ Mr Churchill declared

“It’s time for education to be taken seriously. That begins with access to a free, high quality and equitable education in public schools. We need a system where teachers can teach and pupils can learn. That means cutting down on unnecessary administrative burdens for teachers.”

“Quality education is back on the agenda!” Mr Churchill concluded.

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

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President
Candidate for Ginninderra

For Immediate Release
Media Release: 12 October, 2008
Democrats question Oppositions Lack of Original Thought Over Pensions Plan: “What about other Pensioners, Zed?”

ACT Democrats “ungrouped” candidate for Ginninderra, Darren Churchill has asked “Why were other Pensioners left out of Mr Seselja’s promised $500 payment?”

Radio Stations and the Canberra Times today report that Mr Seselja has offered a one-off payment of $500 to single Aged Pensioner before Chrismas if the Liberals are elected.

“We want to know why it’s only single Aged Pensioners” Mr Churchill said. “What about other pensioners, Zed? Surely, other Pensioners are struggling with money too. Don’t they deserve some assistance?”

“It seems a little unfair to just single out one group of Pensioners. What about some equal treatment?”

“I think you’ll find that Mr Seselja is just trotting out the same line as his Federal leader, Mr Turnbull (that only single Aged Pensioners need help), without really thinking things through or looking at fairness aspects.” stated Mr Churchill. “What about other single Pensioners – Disabled, Single Parents, Carers, etc? What about couples?”

“Mr Seselja has really only reproduced a somewhat “parrot-like” policy from his Federal leader without really giving much thought to all the other disadvantaged Pensioners who might have difficulty making ends meet. There’s not single bit of original thought gone into his announcement! Mr Churchill concluded emphatically.

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