Archive for August 16th, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE: 13th August, 2013: Democrats campaign slogan: Sustainable Prosperity

16/08/2013

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MEDIA RELEASE: 13th August, 2013:

Democrats campaign slogan: Sustainable Prosperity

The Australian Democrats have launched their campaign slogan for the September 7 federal election: Sustainable Prosperity.

Australian Democrats National President, Darren Churchill, says that Sustainable Prosperity must be the vision for Australia’s future.

“Some preach that economic growth is the holy grail, some small government and some environment over humanity. The Australian Democrats believe that Sustainable Prosperity encourages economic development, wealth creation, environment protection, humane justice and social advancement.

“With Australia’s economy linked to the world there are no simple solutions, and the challenge for government is in negotiating the Sustainable Prosperity path.

“Australia already welcomes investment in solar and wind power, but must more actively encourage it, and if this means coal-fired power stations will be little used or retired early, it will be a plus in dealing with climate change.

“Our manufacturing industries, tortured by the recent high dollar, can and must be revived to lead the world in innovation and excellence. We are also a trusted source of quality food exports.

“Prosperity will not however come as a result of increasing population. Every new person requires $200,000 worth of infrastructure and Infrastructure Australia estimates the nation already has an infrastructure backlog of up to $300 billion.

“Economic sustainability, properly managed and definitely shared to reduce the gap between rich and poor, promises to lift more people out of poverty – an objective we should all embrace.

“A vote for the Australian Democrats is a vote for Sustainable Prosperity for all Australians,” Mr Churchill said.

Media contact: Darren Churchill

National President

Australian Democrats

Phone 0412 196473

Posted in Australian Democrats, Environment, Federal Election 2013, Population, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE: 6th August, 2013: Democrats ready and willing to give new ideas for ‘new ways’ to either Labor or Liberal

16/08/2013

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MEDIA RELEASE: 6th August, 2013:

Democrats ready and willing to give new ideas for ‘new ways’ to either Labor or Liberal

With both Liberal and Labor having made it clear they will not be entering into any alliances with small parties and independents to form government, the Australian Democrats say this puts the spotlight on the Senate.

“Given that only half the Senate is up for re-election, there will be greater stability in that chamber, and it’s where a lot of the hard decisions will be made” says Jeanie Walker, the party’s joint National Campaign Leader and lead Senate candidate for the Democrats in SA.

“That’s where the Democrats come in. For thirty years we exercised a responsible balance of power role in territory, state and federal parliaments.

“For thirty years we delivered stability, negotiating to improve legislation in the process.

“With the knowledge that the real power after the election will reside in the Senate, we are calling on voters to ensure that they return the Democrats to the Senate.

“Kevin Rudd wants a new way: well the Democrats have the runs on the board in giving government new ideas for new ways, and we’re ready.

“We’ll be fighting this election to re-establish a beach-head in the Senate so that we can continue to provide those new ideas,” said Ms Walker.

 

Media contact: Jeanie Walker

Joint National Campaign Leader

Australian Democrats

Phone: 0427 076336

Ms Walker will be available by phone 0427 076336 after 6.30am

Posted in Australian Democrats, Federal Election 2013, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE: 17th July, 2013: Australian Democrats release Murray Darling Basin policy

16/08/2013

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MEDIA RELEASE: 17th July, 2013:

Australian Democrats release Murray Darling Basin policy

The Australian Democrats have released their newly-balloted policy on the Murray-Darling Basin in preparation for the forthcoming Federal election.

Central to the policy is recognition that a viable river system requires an understanding of the impacts of climate change and population growth, says lead Senate candidate in South Australia, Ms Jeanie Walker.

“If we are to keep this precious river system flowing we must recognise that predicted temperature increases of between 2.5 and 6 degrees would result in a reduction of flow of between 16 and 48% by the turn of the century.

“This will have significant impact on the irrigation industry, with greater efficiencies being demanded, and we support more money being provided to deliver those efficiencies.

“It might also mean that more irrigators will need to exit the industry, and it is a significant aspect of our policy that we should assist those irrigators wishing to do so to exit from the industry with just compensation and dignity.

“Given that 3.5 million people either live in the basin or live nearby and are directly dependent on it, Australia’s fast-growing population will add further pressures to an increasingly stressed system.

“While a significant proportion of food produced in the Basin is exported, food production will most likely have to concentrate on producing food for Australians.

“At the same time we strongly support the environment having its own fair entitlement to water based on independent peer-reviewed science. If the environment misses out the rivers in the basin will progressively die.

“So many Australians are dependent on this river, for their lives and their livelihoods. We must treat it with the utmost care,” concluded Ms Walker.

[A full copy of the policy is available on request from Ms Walker]

Further comment:

Jeanie Walker

Lead Senate candidate for South Australia

Phone: 0427 076 336

Posted in Environment, Save the Murray | Leave a Comment »