What our candidates say... Independent

Here's Selwyn Johnston independent candidate, response's to our questions...

1. What are your top 3 priorities for Leichhardt?

Leichhardt for me has a number of priorities but since you ask for three I will answer accordingly.

(i) I will ensure that at all times the people of Leichhardt are fully and fearlessly represented on all matters either as an electorate or individually and that at all times they are fully informed of matters that will be of benefit to, or are likely to affect the electorate either in business or quality of life issues.

(ii) The second priority is to ensure that Leichhardt gets the infrastructure it needs and the professional and technical support that is required to obtain the maximum benefit from that infrastructure be that hospitals and educational facilities, roads, or industry support.

(iii) To obtain for the residents of Leichhardt every benefit and consideration that can be achieved.

2. Are workers adequately protected under current law?

As a very broad generalisation, while I am reasonably at ease with the present employment arrangements under Work Choices in a time of very buoyant employment, I would not be at all comfortable with the system in a tighter labour market. There needs to be in place minimum wages and conditions and the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard seems to be to generalised to achieve this goal. The Fairness Test unit is already miles behind and again seems unlikely to be able to provide timely relief. I suspect that many employers would be at ease with an Award System provided of course that they maintained their present right to manage their own workforce and workplace.


3. Is the balance of environment and development issues in the electorate of concern to your party?

Not only is the balance of environment and development an issue with me, but also the balance between environment, industry and the people is also important to me. We have to protect our environment and our heritage particularly in Leichhardt as tourism and fishing are our major industries and pastimes. Where a balance has to be struck it is essential that both the benefits and detriments be quantifiable so that decision making is an open and honest process. This way the decisions are more likely to be respected and consequently accepted in spirit.


4. Would you work the relationship with Cairns City Council differently?

The Cairns City Council & Douglas Shire Council will be absorbed into the Cairns Regional Council with dealings between the Federal Government and Local Government Authorities not being as direct as is the case with State Governments, however, I would deal with the Cairns Regional Council on a fair and equitable basis exactly the same as I would deal with any other Local Authority.