Wentworth 2018: Your guide to Andrea Leong’s policies
THE Wentworth by-election is on this Saturday with a large field of candidates. Our complete guide is the only place to get in depth coverage of local and national policies of all 16 candidates. Here is everything you need to know about the Science Party’s Andrea Leong and how she compares to other candidates.
Wentworth Courier
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THE Wentworth by-election is on this Saturday with a large field of candidates. Our complete guide is the only place to get in depth coverage of local and national policies of all 16 candidates. Here is everything you need to know about the Science Party’s Andrea Leong and how she compares to other candidates.
SEE OUR INTERACTIVE BELOW
BIOGRAPHY
ANDREA Leong says she grew up in Warrnambool, in Victoria’s west, and is a strong proponent of supporting regional growth through development of infrastructure, transport and a national broadband network.
She said that since completing a PhD on antibacterial surface coatings at UNSW in 2016, she has worked in microbiome research in a biotech company that focuses on chronic diseases. Andrea says you can often find her playing drums for the Riff Raff Radical Marching band at protests for social and environmental causes.
Q&A
1. Do you think we need a new public secondary school in the Wentworth electorate?
Yes. Public education should set the gold standard and every student should have the opportunity to partake.
2. What are your thoughts on the current rate of development?
Density reduces congestion by placing work, school and services closer to people’s homes, but we are in dire need of an infrastructure boost and public green spaces.
3. Do you support the proposed development in the national park at South Head?
No. It is unnecessary to build a new, large function centre when the buildings could otherwise be refurbished for public enjoyment.
4. Should we make changes to negative gearing?
Perhaps, but the capital gains tax discount should be removed as a greater priority.
5. What are the key elements of your tax policy?
Phase out stamp duty, payroll tax and council rates and phase in a broad-based land tax. But there should be no changes to corporate tax.
6. Do you have a stance on corporate political donations?
Donations (personal or corporate) over $1,000 should be declared, and that should be done more or less instantly (rather than the current limit of $13,800 to be declared at the end of the financial year).
7. What is the most important health related issue?
More services for early intervention in mental health are required.
8. What support should be given to businesses?
Businesses should be allowed to compete freely, so that the most innovative and efficient businesses can thrive.
9. What emphasis should placed on funding to the arts?
Arts funding should be directed towards supporting emerging artists and community events.
10. How should Australia proceed with regards to immigration?
Strong immigration over the next decade will benefit Australia as the Baby Boomers retire.
11. Should we change how we process asylum seekers?
The offshore detention centres must be closed and Australia should allow New Zealand to settle refugees.
12. What action should be taken with regard to climate change?
An emissions trading scheme is likely to be effective in reducing carbon emissions, but at this point, any action at all would be an improvement.
13. Do you support live animal export?
I would like to see live export by plane only, which is very safe for the animals, but currently makes up only a small portion of Australia’s live exports.
14. Do you think we need to tackle law and order differently?
We should focus on rehabilitation where it is likely to reduce reoffending, especially for youth, and decriminalise drug use and never accept private prisons.
15. How should we continue to move towards reconciliation with indigenous people?
First enter into genuine treaty discussions with First Nations groups.
■ Simply click on your chosen candidate’s name below or on their photograph in our interactive and all will be revealed.
Kerryn Phelps / Dave Sharma / Tim Murray / Dominic WY Kanak / Angela Vithoulkas / Tony Robinson / Steve Georgantis / Shayne Higson / Ben Forsyth / Barry Keldoulis / Deb Boyle / Robert Callanan / Sam Gunning / Licia Heath / Kay Dunne