Federal Election 2019: who to vote for in Tangney

Ahead of Saturday’s Federal Election, we have asked the Tangney candidates why they are running.

Marion Boswell, Labor

My family and I have lived in Tangney for over 18 years. I have run my own small business and have taught in local high schools and Tafe. I fully understand the importance of education and I intend to work hard to ensure that all of our local schools receive appropriate funds.

Canning Bridge train station is an issue, which needs much-improved access, parking and public facilities. I am a firm believer in the need for light rail or trams on South Street too.

I believe that it is important we protect parks and green open spaces, like Alfred Cove and the Melville Glades Golf course, which are under tremendous threat. Roe 8 is unlikely to proceed, but there must be some solutions.

Improving and maintaining traffic flow is extremely important.

Scott Rafferty, One Nation

No information provided to Community News.

Jillian Horton, Independent

My key policies are mental health, environmental protection, higher education funding, job security and wage growth.

I will advocate for better access to high quality affordable mental health care for all Australians. Ways to improve mental health services include provision of more highly trained front line personnel and eliminating the stigma attached to those people seeking assistance.

I would support greater incentives to reduce carbon emissions and waste recycling and encourage the development of industries that utilise new technologies to achieve these aims.

Education costs continue to rise, placing an enormous burden on younger Australians faced with high unemployment rates, lack of job security and rising costs of living.

The ‘trickle down’ economic model has not worked. Few benefits have reached the workers. I would agitate for tax reduction incentives for companies in return for improvements in job security and wages for workers.

Mark Staer, Australian Christians

I am proud to stand as a candidate for Australian Christians and enjoy being a voice for values. I hold several qualifications in computer science and applied linguistics, am involved in various community groups and have contested three State elections.

I am passionate about my faith, currently enjoy teaching scripture and value our religious freedom. Difference of opinion does not imply intolerance and sadly many have forgotten that.

Our aim is that each Australian, no matter how old or young, strong or frail, receives the very best protection and support, and the opportunity to contribute to community.

Paul Waddy, Independent

Tangney and Australia are my home and I love living here. I do not love that we have allowed 200,000 hectares of our children’s future to be sold to overseas interests. I do not love that we are charging our children for a lesser education than my generation received free.

I do not love that we are keeping our children at school longer, boring them with academic irrelevance, then importing overseas workers to fill labour shortages because we fail to train our own.

I do not love the concept of urban infill, creating congestion, for the financial benefit of the few.

I do not love “permanent residents” having access to high school education and professional training to the exclusion of Australians, without having made a commitment to Australia.

I am standing for our children’s future because I feel somebody has to.

Martin Spencer, The Greens

I want to see a Parliament that treats everyone as worthy of representation. We must take action now to tackle climate change and transition to a renewable economy.

We need to give a vision and pathway to those tied to jobs that are dependent on fossil fuels. We can do this by creating more opportunities in the new industries and provide the training where it is needed.

Affordable housing also is a topic that has come up when I’m knocking on doors in Tangney. Having a roof over our head is a basic human right and shouldn’t be an investment for a few.

We’ll take strong action on climate change, protect the Swan and Canning rivers, we’ll include denticare in Medicare and we will invest in education from preschool through to Tafe and university.

Ben Morton, Liberal

The Morrison government is delivering a Budget surplus this year, the first surplus in a decade.

Responsible budget management means we can continue to deliver for our local community.

I’ll always fight to get Roe 8 and 9 built. The Morrison government is backing WA with $1.2 billion to build Roe 8 and 9 because of the real community benefits, like taking 74,000 cars and 7000 trucks off roads like Leach Highway and creating thousands of local jobs. $25 million investing in the creation of the Harry Butler Institute will transform environmental education in WA.

In less than three years, we’ve achieved a lot together. I want to continue to work with our community.

Chris Fernandez, United Australia Party

Originally from India, I migrated to Australia 30 years ago with my family. I have run my own small business since 1997 and have an active involvement in my community and have served as the patron of the Gosnells Football Club.

I have previously been a Gosnells City councillor and had an active involvement in the Liberal party.

Like most people today, I have become disillusioned by the broken political system and believe that the United Australia Party is the key to fixing the system and bringing about common sense practical solutions that Put Australia First.

We will continue to fight for 100 per cent of the GST in WA, along with reforming the provisional tax legislation, making home loans tax deductible and reducing electricity prices through a nationwide audit and restructure.

Gavin Waugh, Western Australia Party

Have you noticed how elections are more about dividing community than bringing it together?

While promises of throwing buckets of money at old technologies might buy the votes of the unthinking, it is the democracy brought about by minor parties and independents which brings real benefit into the community.

Look at our highways and railways – funded and built dividing communities.

Instead, let’s cover those barriers and rejoin community access.

Let’s change our urban concrete jungles into healthy cool Edens instead of plant-less, lifeless, ghettos.

Look at the public unrest caused by local governments deciding what they will do in the district, then using their protected positions to force residents to pay for what is not wanted nor beneficial to the communities they were elected to represent.