Australian Democrats call on Liberals to end dirty tricks campaign

09/08/2010

DARREN CHURCHILL

Australian Democrats Senate candidate

Media Release: 8th August, 2010

Australian Democrats call on Liberals to end dirty tricks campaign

The Australian Democrats call on the Liberal party to end their dirty tricks campaign where they use the names of other candidates to link people to their own website.

Lead Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats, Darren Churchill, was notified by a member of the public that a banner advertisement had been set up in internet search engine Google that tricks people into going to the Liberal Party website, instead of to the candidate of their choice.

“This shows the dishonesty of their campaigning. It is a grubby little dirty tricks campaign and a blatant attempt to deceive the public,” declared Mr Churchill

“Does Gary Humphries support this or is it the so-called “faceless men” of the party machine?” questioned Mr Churchill.

“This clearly shows what the Liberal Party has descended to. Clearly the Liberals cannot be trusted. This sort of tactic is completely unAustralian!”

I have contacted the AEC about this matter and I’ll be asking them to refer it to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters

“Clearly the Liberal Party is scared of electoral diversity. They are not a liberal party at all. If people want liberalism and diversity then the Australian Democrats are here to provide it.

“This or any other form of electoral dishonesty is just not on. It’s time to return some honesty and integrity to politics. Canberra voters know this and clearly deserve better. The Australian Democrats denounce this sort of behaviour. Let’s get back to keeping the bastards honest!” Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats Senate candidate for the ACT

darren.churchill@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Accountability, Electoral Reform, Uncategorized, Values | Leave a Comment »

Income Tax Reform: why not for working families?

06/08/2010

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Darren Churchill – Taxation spokesperson: Friday, 6th August 2010

Income Tax Reform: why not for working families?

The Australian Democrats announced today a radical income tax reform to improve equity, simplicity and efficiency.

The party’s tax spokesperson, Darren Churchill of the ACT, said those earning less than $25,000 under this plan would not be taxed.

“The tax-free threshold has remained at $6 000 for a decade. It makes no sense to be taking tax from those well below the poverty line then handing it back in rebates, offsets and other welfare.

“This will make life much easier for employers, casual and part-time workers, as well as for others on low incomes.”

The Democrats plan would see the threshold indexed automatically so it maintains its value and people on low incomes don’t keep getting caught in the tax system

The tax base would be broadened by:

•Removing unnecessary tax deductions and concessions such as FBT concessions for company cars and other salary packaging, and negative gearing deductions

•Remove the perverse FBT ‘liability’ rate that diminishes once thresholds are exceeded, encouraging employees to travel more to increase the total number of kilometers travelled each year in their company car

•Reforming capital gains tax so it is highest for speculative gains and lowest for long-term, productive investment

•Closing tax loopholes

•Simplifying the tax system

The Democrats are also calling for more equity in the superannuation system by lowering taxes at the lower end of the earning scale and increasing them for the wealthy.

“The Labor Government says a lot about working families but it has lost its way on promised tax reform for them.”

“Our income tax plan would deliver lower effective tax rates for lower and middle income earners, a more efficient system with less loopholes, and removal of the tax traps for people on welfare who work part-time or who are trying to move back to work.” concluded Mr Churchill

Further comment: Darren Churchill ph. 0412 196 473

(Full copies of the Democrats’ action plan for income tax are available on request)

Posted in Economics, Income Tax, Pensioners, Working Families | Leave a Comment »

Hiroshima Day – and still 23,000 loaded weapons!

05/08/2010

MEDIA RELEASE:  Election 2010: Friday, 6th August 2010

Hiroshima Day – and still 23,000 loaded weapons!

The Australian Government is playing games on the issue of nuclear disarmament says the Australian Democrats’ lead Senate candidate in the ACT, Darren Churchill

Mr Churchill says that with 23,000 nuclear weapons poised ready to strike around the world, the Australian Government has done only fractionally more than nothing to move the world forward to total nuclear disarmament

“The Australian Democrats argue that Australia should be at the forefront by leading negotiations for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty that would ban the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

“At the May 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, Australia was noticeably inactive, failing to walk the talk, merely aligning itself with the United States.

“Affirming what was said at conferences held years earlier might sound good, but what is Australian doing to encourage the US to sign the comprehensive test ban treaty which was negotiated back in 1996?

“Sixty-five years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we still do not have an international nuclear weapons convention – the progress is definitely snail’s pace.

“Four thousand of the 23,000 nuclear weapons in the world can be activated in a matter of minutes and yet our leaders seem disinterested.

“If we can have a cluster bombs convention, which has just come into effect, why can’t we have a nuclear weapons convention, and why isn’t Australia leading the way?

“Opportunities are going begging – Australians deserve better than the constant insecurity that goes with not taking action on disarmament,” said Mr Churchill

Further comment: Darren Churchill ph. 0412 196 473

Posted in Nuclear Disarmament | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 2nd August, 2010 Democrats ignored in Public Service debate

02/08/2010

DARREN CHURCHILL

Australian Democrats Senate candidate

Media Release: 2nd August, 2010

Democrats ignored in Public Service debate

The Australian Democrats have described as “extremely disappointing” a failure to receive an invitation to an important election debate.

“We heard of the invitation, not from organisers (the CPSU), but from a member said Democrats Senate candidate, Darren Churchill.

“I contacted the organisers to see if our lack of an invitation was simply an oversight. It’s extremely disappointing, considering our great record on the Public Service.”

“We’ve always spoken out to protect and promote the value of the public sector. This has included:

· supporting a strong and independent of the Public Service;

· non-politicisation of the Public Service, with open advertisement of Public Service vacancies followed by a merit selection process and terms subject to public scrutiny;

· a fair system for all, with proper negotiation on employment condidtions; and

· an adequately resourced public service and the removal of the efficiency dividend.”

“If returned to the Senate, the Australian Democrats will:

· defend the public service from attacks from both sides of parliament;

and ensure employment based on merit;

· not support a return to Workchoices (we would have rejected it all if we had held the balance of power);

· ensure a strong accountability regime for public sector service delivery including performance standards;

· a liberal FOI regime and ready access to the Ombudsman scheme and for it to apply to corporatised and contracted out public services; and

· move for a referendum on S44(iv) of the Constitution – allowing public servants to stand for public office.”

“Our position is to address work-life balance, including the mental health of stressed and overworked employees through proper resourcing and support.

”We oppose Tony Abbott’s proposal to slash public service jobs and freeze hiring in an Australian Public Service already understaffed for the essential programs they are obligated to deliver.”

“The Rudd/Gillard idea of ‘Work harder not smarter.’ will also be opposed. Proper resourcing and the removal of the efficiency dividend are high on the Australian Democrats priorites” Mr Churchill emphatically concluded.

Mr Churchill will attend the debate as part of the audience. He will be available for doorstops interviews before and after the debate, outside the Griffin Centre.

ACT Senate debate

WHEN: Tuesday, 3 August at 12.15pm for a 12.30pm sharp start – concluding at 1.30pm

WHERE: Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Civic

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats Senate candidate for the ACT

darren.churchill@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Public Service | Leave a Comment »

Labor clueless, Libs plain mischievous, and Greens bleeding hearts on population and asylum seekers

01/08/2010

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Sunday, 1st August, 2010

Labor clueless, Libs plain mischievous, and Greens bleeding hearts on population and asylum seekers

The contenders for government and the contenders for balance of power in this election all fail on their policies relating to population and asylum seekers says the Australian Democrats’ lead Senate candidate in the ACT, Darren Churchill

“The ALP is playing games on the issue, giving the electorate the impression they understand their concerns but then refusing to address the issue of immigration numbers.

“The Liberals appear to have recognised public concerns in undertaking to reduce population, but are playing the race card by linking the very small numbers of so-called boat people to the reduction in immigration.

“And meanwhile the Greens seem to think that Australia can solve the world’s refugee problems with a welcome to anyone who wants to come, belieing any claim they might have to understanding environmental constraints.

“By contrast the Australian Democrats recognise that immigration substantially contributes to our population numbers and impacts on our environment.

“Last year’s 2.1% annual population growth rate was ahead even of countries like Indonesia, and two-thirds of that growth came from immigration.

“Australia must consider the environmental limits – low rainfall, increasing temperatures due to climate change, and infertile soils – when determining the right number of people this land can support.

“Unlike the Greens, we know that we cannot solve the world’s refugee problems, but by reducing overall immigration numbers we would be in a much better position to meet our humanitarian obligations for what is really a small number of asylum seekers.

“Julia Gillard does not want the baby bonus to be repealed or pared back, nor does she want immigration to be discussed, so she is not real in saying she does not want a big Australia.

“Australians really deserve better than what Labor, Liberal and the Greens have to offer,” said Mr Churchill

Further comment: Darren Churchill, Ph: 0412 196 473

Posted in Asylum Seekers, Immigration, Population, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 31st July, 2010: Democrats bold move on preferences

30/07/2010

DARREN CHURCHILL

Australian Democrats Senate candidate

Media Release: 31st July, 2010

Democrats bold move on preferences

In a bold move that is likely to raise some eyebrows, the Australian Democrats will preference the Liberal Party for the Senate in the ACT.

“We have to act in the interests of Canberra and in the national interest!” announced Democrats Senate candidate, Darren Churchill.

“Canberra is taken for granted with two safe Labor seats in the House. Kate Lundy is likely to easily achieve a quota. Adding a Green to the mix would tip the balance too far towards the Labor/Greens alliance.

“Whilst I believe The ACT and Jervis Bay Territory would be best served by electing me as an Australian Democrat” said Mr Churchill. “Should that not come about, we need to balance things out another way.”

“The thought of a possible Tony Abbott Liberal government with a bunch of conservative nodding dogs in the Party Room is a little too scary to contemplate. Gary Humphries is at least a small “l” Liberal who could be a much-needed hand of restraint on Mr Abbott’s shoulder. He has demonstrated this in his preparedness to cross the floor in the interests of the ACT and his call for electoral reform to improve our democracy.”

“The Australian Democrats pride ourselves on not being beholden to any one interest group or ideology,” continued Mr Churchill. “As the voice of the progressive centre, we have some things in common with all the other main parties. Unfortunately, we all too often get perceived as simply a vote channelling exercise for the Greens.”

“The Australian Democrats have entered into a variety of preference arrangements across Australia. This clearly differentiates us from the Greens who are all too ready to only accept preference deals with Labor.”

“In this, like all decisions we make, we have considered the interests of the ACT and acted on the merits of the individual case” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats Senate candidate for the ACT

darren.churchill@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Federal Election 2010, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Friday, 30th July 2010

30/07/2010

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Friday, 30th July 2010

Jeanie Walker – National spokesperson

Womens’ policy: where are the other parties?

The Australian Democrats are advancing plans for women that go well beyond the debate over the past day or so over who said what about paid parental leave.

The party’s principal Senate candidate, Jeanie Walker of South Australia, has released her party’s plans in relation to important policies on domestic violence, work-life balance, health and equal pay.

“But I wonder where the major parties are on these issues.

“It’s sad that we still have to talk about equal pay: after all these years of striving for equality, on average women in Australia still earn 10% less than men.

“Because of that pay gap, and because family responsibilities take women out of the workforce and superannuation, the Democrats when returned to parliament, will introduce a Work and Family Act.

“We want parents to have the right to flexible working hours, and the right to return to work part-time. More accessible child care is needed, especially for the under-twos.

“Too many women with children are forced to flee the family home because of partner violence and the Democrats are calling for more housing options and better legal and service responses.

“Our health system does not appear to recognise that women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer depression than men, particularly as an increasing number are experiencing the triple whammy of running their own homes, holding down a job and looking after ageing parents or caring for grandchildren.

“We’ve come a long way baby, as they said in the 70s, but we still haven’t got there yet” said Ms Walker.

Further comment:

Jeanie Walker ph. 0427 076336

Darren Churchill ph. 0412 196 473

(Full copies of the Democrats’ action plans for the Status of Women and Women’s Health are available on request)

Posted in Federal Election 2010 | Leave a Comment »

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Thursday, 29th July 2010

30/07/2010

MEDIA RELEASE: Election 2010: Thursday, 29th July 2010

Democrats field Senate candidates in all states and territories

As proof of the revival of the party, the Australian Democrats are fielding Senate candidates in all states and territories.

The party’s National President, Julia Melland, says that with the close of nominations today she is delighted to reveal this.

“So many commentators have dismissed us, but we are back and once again giving that choice to voters of a party with progressive centrist policies, rather than the simple right wing choices of Labor and Liberal of the left wing choice of the Greens. We believe the people of Australia deserve better than that.

“We are particularly pleased to be fielding a team of two in Tasmania when we were unable to field anyone in the 2007 election,” said Ms Melland.

The Senate line up is:

ACT

#1 Darren Churchill

#2 Anthony David

Northern Territory

Duncan Dean

NSW

#1 Fiona Clancy

#2 Jen Mitchell

Queensland

#1 Paul Stevenson

#2 Jen Cluse

South Australia

#1 Jeanie Walker

#2 Andrew Castrique

Tasmania

#1 Paulene Hutton

#2 Tim Neal

Victoria

#1 Roger Howe

#2 Rick Westgarth

Western Australia

#1 Paul Young

#2 Matthew Corica

Further comment:

Phone Julia Melland 0431 357 585

Phone Darren Churchill 0412 196 473

Posted in Federal Election 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 23rd July 2010: ACT Democrats Senate team complete with announcement of No. 2 candidate

30/07/2010

ACT Democrats 2010

Media Release: 23rd July 2010

ACT Democrats Senate team complete with announcement of No. 2 candidate

The Australian Democrats in the ACT today completed their Senate team when they announced their latest Senate candidate for the 2010 Federal election.

The No. 2 Senate candidate is Anthony David. Anthony is an IT specialist who has lived and raised his family in Canberra over the last 29 years. He has participated in the community life in Canberra in areas such as local area planning, reconciliation, transport and the environment. Anthony is particularly concerned about the failure of the Federal parliament to put a price on carbon emissions. He has recently graduated with honours from the ANU, modelling ocean carbon response over ice age cycles.

Anthony joins Darren Churchill as an endorsed candidate to complete the Australian Democrats ACT Senate team.

The Australian Democrats are finalising their candidates nationally.

“The past two years have shown the Senate is in need of the Australian Democrats” declared Anthony David. “I want to restore a voice of common sense and constructive legislative scrutiny to the upper house of our country.”

“My passion is to see a fair Australia, a sustainable economy and a social structure that looks after the vulnerable and enables its citizens to achieve their potential. Australia needs the revocation of the “NT Intervention” and the implementation of the recommendations of the “Little Children are Sacred” inquiry.”

“Being mindful of Australia’s disproportionate carbon emissions, we need an urgent investment in modern transport infrastructure.” said Anthony “I am also pleased that mental health has become a prominent issue in the media. I want to see an effective response by the next government and I will support innovative programs to improve our understanding and response to mental health issues.”

“Effective education at all ages is the cornerstone of our civil society. I am particularly concerned about the shortage of science and mathematics teachers. I want to see people trained in these fields take up the profession, especially primary teaching where the foundations are set. The Federal government has a vital role in the development and deployment of these resources.”

I want to work for the good of Canberrans and the people of the Jervis Bay Territory.” Anthony concluded.

Anthony David

Australian Democrats 2nd Senate Candidate for the ACT

anthony.david@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0414 581 385

Darren Churchill

Australian Democrats No.1 Senate Candidate for the ACT

darren.churchill@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Anthony David No.2 Candidate for the Senate

Anthony David, 51, is an IT specialist who has lived and raised his family in Canberra over the last 29 years. He has participated in the community life in Canberra in areas such as local area planning, reconciliation, transport and the environment. Anthony is particularly concerned about the failure of the Federal parliament to put a price on carbon emissions. He has recently graduated with honours from the ANU, modelling the ocean carbon response over ice age cycles.

Anthony is a long-term member of the ACT Democrats, running as the No. 2 candidate for the Australian Democrats in the 2007 Federal election and was on the ticket for Ginninderra, which saw Roslyn Dundas elected to the ACT legislative assembly in 2001.

Over the past 13 years, Anthony enjoys playing Rugby with the ACT Veterans.

Anthony is proud of the Australian Democrats’ 31 years of legislative experience in the Senate, and will continue the same process of working for good legislative outcomes and offer practical, balanced solutions from the progressive centre.

Anthony David

anthony.david@democrats.org.au

Tel: 0414 581 385

Posted in Federal Election 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 23rd July, 2010: We’re here and we’re campaigning!

30/07/2010

Media Release: 23rd July, 2010

We’re here and we’re campaigning!

The Australian Democrats have chosen their lead Senate candidates in Victoria and South Australia to be their principal spokespersons for the party in the Federal election.

They are Roger Howe who leads the Victorian Senate team and is a software engineering manager, and Jeanie Walker, who leads the South Australian Senate team and is an Aboriginal youth support worker, qualified chef and well-known animal rights activist.

“As the progressive centre of politics, the party intends to field Senate candidates in every state and territory, plus some House of Representatives candidates” said Ms Walker.

“Australia has been sold short since Democrat representation ended in the Senate. Had the Democrats been there when the legislation was being debated, Australia would have had an emissions trading scheme in place by now.”

“We have a proud tradition of working with governments to improve legislation rather than blocking” said Mr Howe.

“We have been rebuilding the party over the past three years, have increasing membership numbers and growing enthusiasm.

“We will be campaigning in this election on the major issues of climate change and energy, education, population and asylum seekers, infrastructure and water, health and taxation.

“In the coming weeks we will be releasing our action plans on these and many more issues” said Mr Howe.

Further comment:

Roger Howe ph.0431 527 845

Jeanie Walker ph. 0427 076336

Darren Churchill ph. 0412 196 473

Posted in Federal Election 2010 | Leave a Comment »

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