FINDING out what candidates actually stand for can be a hard task, especially with a field as big as the one standing for the upcoming Canning byelection.
The Mandurah Mail asked six questions of every candidate seeking your vote.
We asked a few policy questions, but also some that will help our readers learn who our candidates really are.
We attempted to contact the Family First candidate for a reponse, but unfortunately none was forthcoming by our deadline.
The Canning byelection will be held on Saturday, September 19.
For information about how to contact candidates go to aec.gov.au/canning/voting.htm#candidates
SHARMA Vimal Kumar, Palmer United Party
What suburb do you live in? Osborne Park.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
a) GST raised in WA should be spent in WA.
b) Politicians should get their snouts out of the trough.
c) Another matter of great concern to me is the China Free Trade Agreement.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Canning’s diversity of country and the sea is my favourite thing about the electorate.
Who inspires you the most?
Clive Palmer inspires me most.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
My favourite band is The Beatles.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
(No response)
WHITTLE Connor, Liberal Democrats
What suburb do you live in?
Bunbury.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
35c back for every dollar of GST is rubbish.
We’re here to change that.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Miami bakehouse; a lifesaver on the Forrest Highway.
Who inspires you the most?
Elon Musk, billionaire libertarian who owns a rocket company.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
What’s a CD? Can I find it on iTunes?
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
We were for it before it was cool.
ALLEN Michelle, Pirate Party
What suburb do you live in?
Carlisle.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
I believe that the major parties’ bi-partisan assault on civil liberties is the biggest threat to everyone in the country.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Cannings biggest asset is its people.
Who inspires you the most?
My number one inspiration would be my great grandmother. Sadly, she passed away just a couple of years ago.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
My favourite artist at the moment would be Krewella.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
I support the right of any adult, regardless of sexuality or gender to marry their partner.
SMITH Greg, Australian Defence Veterans Party
What suburb do you live in?
Piara Waters.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
If I have to narrow it, I’d say jobs (unemployment). But that is an issue right across the electorate. Lack of jobs leads to people being idle.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Canning’s biggest asset is the people that live here, closely followed by it’s diversity.
Who inspires you the most?
My wife, Jeanette, is my biggest inspiration. She’s the love of my life.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
I have extremely eclectic tastes, from classical to jazz, blues and rock. I tend to favour something with a good beat and bass line.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
Both the party and I certainly support it.
LOVE Katrina, Animal Justice Party
What suburb do you live in? Coogee.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
Stopping live animal exports
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
The stunning Indian Ocean on the coast and the marine animals that live in it
Who inspires you the most?
Lyn White - Animals Australia.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD? Artist: Johann Sebastian Bach.
CD: Daniel Hope Spheres.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
I am not in favour of either straight or gay marriage - I strongly support equal marriage.
HASTIE Andrew, Liberal
What suburb do you live in?
Dudley Park.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
Crime, particularly drug related. It is the biggest threat to the Australian way of life and it tears families apart.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
It’s people. Canning is made up of hard-working Australians.
Who inspires you the most?
People with disabilities who make the most of their lives despite the barriers that are placed in front of them, including accident victims and wounded veterans.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
Pearl Jam/ Ten
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
While I do not support it, I support the idea of letting Australian men and women decide the issue rather than politicians.
VAN LIESHOUT Teresa, Independent
What suburb do you live in?
Mundijong.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
Jobs, education, and community programs/activities to solve Mandurah’s drug and homeless issues, and youth unemployment.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Agriculture production and jobs potential in manufacturing resulting from agriculture.
Who inspires you the most?
God and Jesus. And great women leaders throughout history.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
AC/DC and any CD with good dance music.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
No, I support traditional marriage. I do support a Civil Unions Act for gay people, without adoption provisions.
KEOGH Matt, Australian Labor Party
What suburb do you live in?
Kelmscott.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
The number one issue I’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah is reducing unemployment and growing education and training.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Its potential to be the centre for Perth’s growth over the coming decades, supported by the diversity of its coastal, hills and rural geography.
Who inspires you the most?
My grandfather is my biggest inspiration. He’s an incredibly smart, hard working man and someone who has also always found time for his family and his community.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
The Whitlams. Gough is always a favourite.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
I support marriage equality.
RAULAND Vanessa, The Greens (WA)
What suburb do you live in?
Fremantle.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
Clean, local, renewable energy.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
The biggest asset in Canning is its diversity – from the Indian Ocean to the hills, farms to quiet suburbs, and rail links to two of Perth’s key centres.
Who inspires you the most?
People who particularly inspire me are the ones who have remained positive and determined in the face of enormous setbacks and challenges. People like Malala Yousafzai, Anne Frank and of course Ghandi.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
I enjoy Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Milky Chance, Arcade Fire, Holy Holy, Sigur Rós.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
Greens MPs and candidates support marriage equality.
VAN BURGEL Jamie, Australian Christians
What suburb do you live in?
Mt Richon.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
I believe that crime, infrastructure spending and affordable housing are the main concerns within this electorate. I will also be standing to represent all those that support traditional marriage in Australia.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Canning has, at its base, a great range of diverse and friendly people that are a credit to each and every suburb.
Who inspires you the most?
In life I am inspired by God. Simple as that.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
I do not have one particular favourite - there are so many great artists that serve with their music.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
Unapologetically, I am not in favour of gay marriage.
SMITH Angela, Sustainable Population Party
What suburb do you live in?
Coodanup.
What’s the number-one issue you’ll be pursuing for the people of Mandurah?
Education for paid jobs. We need to invest in better education and skills training to improve job security and workforce participation.
In your view, what is Canning’s biggest asset?
Its people, because it has a wealth of talent engaging in important industries like primary production, tourism, mining and aged care.
Who inspires you the most?
I am a great admirer of Dick Smith. I also have a mountain of respect for Malcolm McCusker.
Your favourite band/artist and favourite CD?
CD: Lumiere. Favourite artists to mention but range from ABBA to ZZTop.
Are you in favour of gay marriage?
Yes, but same-sex marriage should not be a distraction from major public policy priorities.
