Media Release: 11 June 2008: ACT Democrats Repeat Call for Power Station Review

12/06/2008

ACT DEMOCRATS 11 June 2008

ACT Democrats Repeat Call for Power Station Review

The ACT Democrats have again called for a review of the proposed gas-fired power station planned for Tuggeranong.

“With questions over whether or not the Chief Minister’s Department was involved in selecting the site and suggestions the Budget Estimates Committee had been misled over the involvement, it’s time to get to the bottom of the matter”, said ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill. “The whole project should be put on hold while an inquiry is conducted, alongside an Environmental Impact Assessment and a review of the Territory’s energy supply options.”

ABC news reported today that two officials of the Chief Minister’s Department had misled an ACT Government Estimates Committee over the involvement of the Department in selecting the site for the proposed power station.

“It is inappropriate to proceed with the development before clearing up the questions over the processes involved in selecting the site” Mr Churchill said. “Only an inquiry will determine whether the decision was made in an appropriate manner.”

“I’d still like to see a proper Environmental Impact Assessment and a review of our energy needs as well. We need to question the suitability of proposed sites, alternatives and whether the ACT’s energy needs are best met by the proposed power station or if there might be a way of including green energy alternatives.”

“The ACT Democrats would like to see a long-term view taken on energy. We’d like to see greater use of energy alternatives such as photovoltaic cells and more attention given to environmental concerns including greenhouse targets. With such questions hanging over the accountability of the decision making processes, it’s time to re-examine the whole proposal” Mr Churchill concluded.

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

Posted in Energy | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 07 June 2008: ACT Democrats Question Crimestoppers Website

08/06/2008

ACT DEMOCRATS

Media Release: 07 June 2008

ACT Democrats Question Crimestoppers Website

ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill has described the new Crimestoppers website as “an outrageous violation of privacy!”

ABC News reported today about a new Crimestoppers website which displays pictures of suspected criminals and people who may have witnessed a crime. The website has been attacked by Civil Liberties Australia.

“The Civil Liberties people are right to raise concerns about the Crimestoppers website. The website denies the presumption of innocence to people accused of a crime and consequently denies them the right to a fair trial. It also places potential witnesses at risk by publicising their identity.” Mr Churchill said.

“People suspected of a crime have a right to a fair trial and the due processes of law. This is a whole new dimension to trial by media – it’s trial by Internet!”

“Being caught on CCTV may be fairly damning evidence. But surely the due process of the law still has to be followed.”

“When people witness a crime or think they may have witnessed a crime, they usually respond confidentially to a police appeal for information and may wish their identity to be kept secret as much as possible.”

“I would like to know how police aim to protect witnesses from attack when they have had their faces plastered all over a public website?” inquired Mr Churchill

“Surely, police resources need to targeted at the areas that the community has identified as a priority. I’d like to see such things as more police on the beat, better resourcing of Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and a more open, safer and well lit urban environment to help reduce crime.” Mr Churchill said.

“The ACT Democrats have long advocated public education about safety, greater co-operation and consultation between the police and the community, and improvements to police response times.” continued Mr Churchill.

“I’m not sure how violating privacy by an individual having their face plastered all over a Crimestoppers website helps public safety.” Mr Churchill concluded.

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

Posted in Justice | Leave a Comment »

Media Release 28 May 2008: Budget Mailout a Waste of Money say Democrats

29/05/2008

ACT DEMOCRATS MEDIA RELEASE 28 MAY 2008

Budget Mailout a Waste of Money say Democrats

“The Stanhope government has embarked on a massive self-publicity campaign!” claims ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.

ABC News reported yesterday of a massive $35,000 of ACT ratepayers money being spent on a mail-out in an attempt to ‘sell its latest budget to Canberrans.’

“This letterbox campaign has a distinctly familiar feel to it” Mr Churchill said. “The Stanhope Labor government here in the ACT is using ratepayers money to promote it’s own polices, just like the former Howard government did with taxpayers money last year.”

“Isn’t it strange how one majority government behaves in exactly the same way as another did (also in an election year) when it knows that it is on the nose? Surely this money could have been better spent on services in Canberra?” queried Mr Churchill.

“We have schools being forced to close, a bus network that needs upgrading and a water supply system that come summer will be stretched to the limit again. And Mr Stanhope neglects all of that, preferring to spend our money on a publicity stunt. What a waste!

“The Democrats call for greater accountability. We’ll use our numbers, if elected in October, to ensure that the government of the day is accountable. We will make sure that whoever forms the government is kept honest!” declared Mr Churchill

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

Posted in Economics | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA ALERT: CONTACT DETAILS FOR ACT DEMOCRATS

28/05/2008

MEDIA ALERT: CONTACT DETAILS FOR ACT DEMOCRATS

Please update your records. Media Inquiries for the ACT Democrats should be directed to:

Darren Churchill

President

Australian Democrats (ACT Division)

Postal: PO Box 4070, KINGSTON, ACT 2604

Email: darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Mr Churchill can be contacted on the above number at any time for interviews and comment.

Posted in ACT Democrats Contact Details | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE 27 May 2008: ACT Democrats call for ACT Energy Review

28/05/2008

MEDIA RELEASE 27 May 2008

ACT Democrats call for ACT Energy Review

“The proposed gas-fired power station in Tuggeranong should be put on hold until a full review of the Territory’s energy needs is conducted.” According to ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.

The plans for the proposed power station to be built by an ACTEWAGL-led consortium were today scaled down in response to opposition from Tuggeranong residents.

Mr Churchill said, “The government hasn’t really thought this through. Clearly there is a need to completely review the energy situation in the ACT. This includes a full Environmental Impact Assessment, consideration of green energy alternatives (especially photovoltaic cells), and location and type of proposed power generation plants.”

“The Democrats would like to see the government honour it’s previous commitment to move towards 100% green power for government use by 2012.  And to investigate ways to extend this to the wider community.”
“We would like to see an energy review include the possibility of photovoltaic cells being installed on all government buildings with the surplus energy generated being fed back into the electricity grid. This could also include consideration of the Private Members Bill currently tabled before the assembly, to allow people with photovoltaic cells on their house to sell surplus power back to the grid.”

The ACT Democrats have been calling for measures to reduce the environmental impacts of energy consumption in the ACT for many years, and proposed sustainable energy generation within the ACT in 2004.  Proposals have included the installation of photovoltaic cells and mini-hydroelectric generators built into the water network.

“The Democrats have been calling for a major rethink on ACT energy for a long time.  Canberra (indeed the whole country) is a lot more environmentally aware now than we were four years ago. It’s time to reconsider these things in the light of our current understandings and concerns.”

“Now is the time for a review of our energy needs, which should include how the Territory is meeting its greenhouse targets.” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Energy | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE 9 May 2008: ACT Democrats denounce undemocratic Electoral Act Amendments

27/05/2008

MEDIA RELEASE 9 May 2008

ACT Democrats denounce undemocratic Electoral Act Amendments

ACT Democrats acting President, Darren Churchill has denounced the ACT Government’s alteration of the Electoral Act.

The Electoral Act was last night changed to prevent non-party candidates from grouping together to contest the election.

“This is totally undemocratic and an attempt to create a two-party dictatorship!” Mr Churchill declared. “Where is the equal footing when like-minded candidates can’t be grouped together to try to gain election? It makes it extremely hard for ungrouped candidates to promote their policies, ideas and objectives.”

“When added to the inability of a party which has been deregistered being able to re-register in the same electoral cycle, the laws make a farce of the democratic process.”

The ACT Democrats were deregistered for the 2008 ACT election last years. The party does however remain registered nationally.

“A party which is registered nationally should automatically be registered for ACT elections.” Mr Churchill stated. “And the prohibition of like-minded candidates being able to be grouped together to achieve their democratic objectives is nothing short of an electoral gerrymander weighting the entire electoral system in favour of the old parties.”

All non-government members of the assembly voted against the changes. But the Stanhope government used its majority to force them through.

“The Hare-Clark system is potentially the most democratic system in the country. But when it becomes altered to prohibit democratic groupings, the ACT version turns democracy on its head.”

“The ACT Democrats have long advocated fair and democratic electoral laws. Given the opportunity we would make ACT elections fair” said Mr Churchill.

“I suppose it is hard to expect democratic behaviour from Labor, when they won’t even allow their members a conscience vote!” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President (acting)

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Electoral Reform | Leave a Comment »

Post Election Thanks:

26/11/2007

Many thanks to the people of FRASER who voted for me and to those who wished me well.

Many thanks also to my supporters and helpers, both members of the Australian Democrats and others.

We held our ground from the last election, getting roughly the same percentage of the vote. And that’s not easy to do when people have made a clear choice between the two major parties.

My result was the second best House of Representatives vote for an Australian Democrats candidate, in this election.

Thanks again for your effort and support and the faith of those who voted for me.

Darren Churchill

Posted in Federal Election 2007 | Leave a Comment »

23/11/2007

Tired of the Liberals?

Never vote Labor?

There IS an alternative:

Vote DEMOCRATS!

The Australian Democrats are not beholden to big business or the unions or chained to any extreme ideology or religion. We are a party that makes judgments based on what is fair and just and moral. We are the only party that simply fights for what is right.

For honesty, tolerance and compassion.

Choose Common Sense

AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS!!!

You CAN change the world!

VOTE DEMOCRATS!!!

Give a Damn!

Posted in Federal Election 2007 | Leave a Comment »

As the elected member for FRASER I will:

23/11/2007
  • balance economic policy with social and environmental considerations. Good economic management is about getting the balance right. It’s a “triple bottom line;”
  • introduce human rights and privacy legislation that will protect all people, regardless of race, gender, religion or place of origin. NO privacy invasions, NO Access Card;
  • ensure that law enforcement agencies are accountable to the courts and the parliament;
  • maintain the traditional Democrats principle of supporting legislation that is fair and equitable and seek to amend and make fairer that which is not;
  • support social spending programmes for affordable housing and Paid Maternity Leave;
  • ensure that whichever party forms the government, they are held accountable for their actions;
  • support industries that create jobs and are kind to the environment, and not those that will make problems for future generations. NO uranium mining and NO nuclear reactors;
  • encourage investment in sustainable agricultural practices and sensible rural water management.
  • encourage sensible use and management of urban water;
  • encourage and support environmentally sustainable practices in renewable energy and energy efficiency

Posted in Federal Election 2007 | Leave a Comment »

Media Alert: 23 November 2007: Mr Churchill’s Whereabouts

23/11/2007

Bring Back Balance

ACT Democrats             2007

Media Alert

Australian Democrats candidate for Fraser will be spending the day greeting voters at the large polling booths in his electorate

Mr Churchill will be at:

Kaleen South Polling Booth:

Photo opportunity

8.00am – Voting

8.00 am to 12.00pm Greet voters and hand out how-to-vote cards at Kaleen South

12.00pm to 4.00pm Greet voters and hand out how-to-vote cards at Kaleen, Palmerston, Lyneham, Turner, Campbell, Evatt, Melba, Aranda and Macquarie.

4.00pm to 6.00pm Greet voters and hand out how-to-vote cards at Kaleen South

6.00pm Close Kaleen South booth

6.30pm Australian Democrats Election night party

Later: expecting to be at the national tally Room from about 8.30/9.00pm.

Available for interviews, photographs, etc

Darren Churchill can be contacted on 0412 196 473

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats candidate for Fraser

Darren.Churchill@act.democrats.org.au

0412 196 473

Tags: , ,
Posted in Federal Election 2007 | Leave a Comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »