Your guide to election 2010
THE Australian public will go to the polls on Saturday, August 21 and Finda is offering voters all the information needed to help them have their say on election day.
The battle for power has already been an intriguing one and this election is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought contests on record.
Can the ALP survive more than one term in office? Will Australia’s first female Prime Minister – installed by her party – become the first female PM voted in by the public? Or will Tony Abbott bring the Liberal Party back into office?
This election, issues like health, education, transport, the environment, climate change, resources, border security, tax, gay marriage, internet censorship, broadband and more are all on the national agenda.
But what about the local agenda?
After all, we won’t be voting directly for Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott or any federal leaders – we’ll be voting for our local candidates. Where do they stand on issues that affect us in Toowoomba and surrounding regions?
Here at Finda, we’re making it easy for you to find out.
We’ve asked every single candidate in the electorates of Groom, Maranoa and Wright to introduce themselves to you and tell you why you should vote for them.
From relative newbies like The Greens’ Frida Forsberg, who’s vying for the seat of Groom, to LNP stalwart Bruce Scott, who’s been Member for Maranoa since 1990, each candidate has answered the same list of questions, fronting up to Finda readers and telling you where they stand.
- GROOM
- Rose Kirkwood (Family First)
- Frida Forsberg (Greens)
- Chris Meibusch (ALP)
- Rod Jeanneret (Independent)
- Ian Macfarlane (LNP
- Groom Polling Booths
- Groom Election Odds
- MARANOA
- Bruce Scott (LNP)
- Grant Newson (Greens)
- Greg McKay (Family First)
- Geoff Keating (ALP)
- Charles Nason (Independent)
- Maranoa Election Odds
- WRIGHT
- Scott Buchholz (LNP)
- Anna Bridle (Greens)
- Andrew Ramsay (ALP)
- Ken Degen (Independent)
- Jeremy Fredericks (Family First)
- Wright Election Odds
GROOM is based on the city of Toowoomba and covers an area of 5,594 square kilometres, taking in much of the Darling Downs. Key cities and towns include Toowoomba, Oakey, Pittsworth, Cambooya and Goombungee, and the electorate is a diverse mix of urban areas, farmland, mining leases and bushland.
Reflecting the diversity of Groom, the issues it faces are many and varied.
One of the biggest is the explosion of coal and gas mining, drawing the ire of farmers and environmentalists alike. Others, though, see the mining boom as the dawn of a golden age for Toowoomba and the Downs, bringing new wealth to the region.
The Toowoomba Bypass is also a key issue, with the Toowoomba Regional Council urging whoever wins the election to fund the bypass through the Building Australia Fund.
With a growing population – spurred by a mixture of “tree changers”, the mining boom and high birth rates – traditional infrastructure and services like health and education are under stress, presenting challenges to whoever wins the seat.
Age: 51
Occupation: Family Support Case Manager for Families in Crisis
Have you stood before?
No – but I am looking forward to representing the families of Groom in the upcoming electoral campaign.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Housing affordability/shortages and homelessness. Youth drug, alcohol and accommodation problems, and bullying. Community and family health, which would also include mental health.
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Why should people vote for you?
Basically, I am not a politician – I am a wife and mother who greatly cares for the people of the Groom electorate.
I have a long history of working with families and individuals in crisis, and I understand the struggles they face. This experience has given me a listening ear to all the concerns families or community may face as I have a heart to see people’s lives meaningful and fruitful.
FRIDA FORSBERG (Greens)
Age: 34
Occupation: Graphic designer
Have you stood before?
Not federally. I ran in the 2009 State Election as Greens Candidate for Nanango.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
The State Government is allowing the reckless development of coal and coal seam gas mining in the Darling Downs which threatens the livelihoods of farming communities and also what is a major and sustainable economic resource for this entire region. The situation is now critical for many farming communities and the Great Artesian Basin, and it is up to the Federal Government to show leadership on this issue. We will also be campaigning hard to keep climate change high on the agenda at this election.
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Why should people vote for you?
The Greens are a farmer’s best friend. We are the only party committed to protecting farmland and small communities from mining and coal seam gas exploration.
It will be more important than ever to get Greens elected this year, especially Larissa Waters in the Senate, because the alternative will be for Tony Abbott to gain control of the Senate. The Greens have consistently shown that we are constructive in the Senate and put forward positive alternatives to get better outcomes, not just opposition for opposition’s sake. A Gillard-dominated lower house and an Abbott-dominated upper house will be gridlock.
Age: 51
Occupation: Managing Partner, South Queensland Law, Toowoomba
Have you stood before?
Yes, in the 2007 Federal Election, achieving a 10.58% swing.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Infrastructure Funding: I’m campaigning for sufficient funding for the Toowoomba Bypass, the Warrego Highway upgrade, the Inland Rail, a new regional airport and aged care facilities.
Health: We need to secure more doctors, nurses, dentists and health care professionals in our hospitals and our community.
Protection of the Environment: I’m concerned about the proposal to establish an open cut coal and petrochemical plant in the Felton Valley – between Toowoomba and Pittsworth. I’m also committed to protecting our prime agricultural land, our aquifers and the Great Artesian Basin from the new coal seam gas development.
WorkChoices: It’s clear – whatever the name, never again.
National Broadband Network (NBN): Our community desperately needs better broadband connections. If elected, the Liberals will scrap the NBN leaving us with our existing slow internet speeds and unreliable service.
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Why should people vote for you?
Since federation, our region has always been in a safe conservative electorate – over 110 years. So safe, no Federal Government has paid us the attention we deserve. A vote for me is a vote to make sure Canberra finally listens to our community.
By not voting for me, you will be voting for Tony Abbott as PM. Groom families just can’t trust Tony Abbott.
By voting for me you will also be voting for Julia Gillard as our PM. Our first female Prime Minister will keep Groom and Australia moving forward.
ROD JEANNERET (Independent)
Age: 63
Occupation: Design assessor
Have you stood before?
I’ve stood at numerous previous elections, including for the Federal seat of Brisbane in 1975 and for Groom at the last two Federal Elections.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
On the face of it, the two key issues are the Toowoomba Bypass and the Felton Mine.
I’m all for the Toowoomba Bypass – it makes economic sense for the region and would generate considerable employment – but I don’t believe the Federal Opposition’s promise to build it. They had twelve years in government and they didn’t do it. It’s been used as a political football for decades.
For me, the main issue of the Felton Mine is property ownership. Do Australians really own their own property and do they have the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a project affecting their land? I believe that if you own your own property, it is yours and it's your right to reside there as long as you wish. If a miner or anyone else wants your land, they have to negotiate with you and make an offer that’s acceptable to you.
The Toowoomba Bypass and the Felton mine are the two most obvious issues, but deeper than that, the biggest issue is government domination of our lives. I stand for small government and less government interference in our lives.
I believe that everything the government does, the private sector can do better. Our country is wasting money and resources no thanks to endless government meddling that’s often duplicated across all three tiers of government, when most of it could and should be done by the private sector.
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Why should people vote for you?
Because if you don’t you’re going get more of the same. The best way to stand up for your rights in Groom is to have an independent MP representing our interests – not someone aligned to one of the parties, which are more interested in perpetuating their own power than representing citizens in parliament.
People often think that if you vote for an independent or one of the smaller parties, you’re wasting your vote, but I really want to get across to people that with our preferential system of voting, you can order your preferences – which means if your first choice doesn’t get in, your vote then goes to whoever you’ve nominated down the line. Votes are not “wasted” by voting for an independent.
IAN MACFARLANE (LNP)
Age: 55
Occupation: Federal Member for Groom
Have you stood before?
I have been the Federal Member for Groom since 1998.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
The most important issue facing the Groom electorate is local infrastructure. Our region continues to grow, which makes projects like the Toowoomba Bypass and an upgrade of the Warrego Highway more important than ever. The growth in our region means it is also essential to ensure regional Queenslanders can access the same standard of health services as those people who live in capital cities.
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Why should people vote for you?
I stand for real action and I am determined to get things done.
The Coalition will build the Toowoomba Bypass. We have made a $700 million funding commitment to begin construction on the bypass. Work would begin in the first year of an Abbott Government.
I am also determined to maintain Toowoomba’s position as a great place to raise a family. The best way to do this is to invest in education, child care and health services, as well as keep the local economy strong by reducing Labor’s debt.
Biddeston
Biddeston State School, Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road.
Bowenville
Bowenville State School, Irvingdale Street.
Brookstead
Brookstead State School, Ware Street.
Cambooya
Cambooya State School, Harrow Street.
Charlton
Charlton State School, Warrego Highway.
Drayton
Drayton Prep, Darling Street.
Felton East
Felton East Public Hall, 2775 Toowoomba-Karara Road.
Geham
Geham State School, 9625 New England Highway.
Goombungee
Goombungee State School, 52 Mocatta Street.
Greenmount East
Emu Creek State School, New England Highway.
Gowrie Junction
Gowrie State School, Old Homebush Road.
Highfields
Highfields State School, New England Highway.
Mary MacKillop Primary School, Highfields Road.
Jondaryan
Jondaryan State School, Scott Road.
Kingsthorpe
Kingsthorpe State School, Goombungee Road.
Kulpi
Kulpi State School, Oakey Road.
Maclagan
Maclagan Public Hall, Margaret Street.
Meringandan
Meringandan State School, Meringandan-Shirley Road
Mt Tyson
Mt Tyson State School, Main Street.
Oakey
Oakey State High School, Campbell Street.
Pittsworth
Pittsworth State School, Hume Street.
Quinalow
Quinalow State School, Progress Street.
Southbrook
Southbrook Central State School, 1 School Road.
Toowoomba
Centenary Heights High School, Ramsay Street, Centenary Heights.
Cedar Centre, Baker Street, Darling Heights.
Toowoomba East State School, Arthur Street, East Toowoomba.
Fairholme College, 40 Wirra Wirra Street, East Toowoomba.
Toowoomba International Christian Church, Cnr Gorman and Wuth Streets, Darling Heights.
Glenvale State School, 224 Glenvale Road, Glenvale.
Harlaxton Community Hall, Gleeson Crescent, Harlaxton.
Harlaxton State School, 110 Ruthven Street, Harlaxton.
Harristown State High School, South Street, Harristown.
Westside Christian Church Hall, 221 West Street, Harristown.
Gabbinbar State School, Cnr Mackenzie and Stenner Streets, Middle Ridge.
Middle Ridge State School, 203 Spring Street, Middle Ridge.
Toowoomba State High School, Stuart Street, Mt Lofty.
Newtown State School, Albert Street, Newtown.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Hall, Cnr Tor and Karrool Streets, Newtown.
Rangeville State School, 32A High Street, Rangeville.
St Joseph's College, 54 James Street, Rangeville.
Rockville State School, 3 Holberton Street, Rockville.
Trinity Lutheran Church Hall, 270 Hume Street, South Toowoomba.
Holly Name Primary School, 188 Bridge Street, Toowoomba City.
Toowoomba North State School, Cnr Taylor and Mort Streets, Toowoomba City.
St Luke's Hall, 590 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City.
Sacred Heart School, 263 Tor Street, Wilsonton.
Wilsonton State School, Denyer Street, Wilsonton.
Fairview Heights State School, 75 McDougall Street, Wilsonton.
Westbrook
Bunker's Hill State School, Bunker's Hill School Road.
Wyreema
Wyreema State School, High Street.
GROOM ELECTION ODDS (Centrebet)
Ian Macfarlane (LNP) $1.02
Chris Meibusch (ALP) $10
Frida Forsberg (The Greens) $34
Rose Kirkwood (Family First) $101
Rod Jeanneret (Independent) $101
MARANOA is massive.
Easily the biggest electorate in Finda’s readership area, it’s also one of the biggest in Australia at 731,297 square kilometers. That’s slightly larger than France, twice the size of Germany or Vietnam and about three times the size of the UK or New Zealand.
The main towns in Maranoa include Warwick, Dalby, Stanthorpe, Crows Nest, Kingaroy, Goondiwindi, Roma and St George – but it also includes hundreds of other towns, hamlets and properties in an area bounded by the Great Dividing Range in the east, the Northern Territory and South Australian borders in the west, the NSW border in the south, and north beyond the Tropic of Capricorn.
Like Groom, the economic and demographic profile of Maranoa is changing, thanks to the coal and gas mining boom. But in many ways, the electorate has changed little in recent years. Even its reigning MP, Bruce Scott, has held the seat for the last 20 years.
Age: 66
Occupation: Currently the Federal LNP Member for Maranoa, however before politics I worked on large pastoral properties in the outback regions of the electorate. After I married I became a partner in a family sheep, cattle and grain enterprise and was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 1983.
Have you stood before?
Yes, have been the Federal Member for Maranoa since 1990 .
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
The many issues that concern the people of Maranoa are similar to those faced by all Australians living in regional, rural and remote areas. Better local health services, safer roads and highways, improved access to post-secondary education, and finding the right balance between agriculture and mining are just some of the many issues that I’ve been fighting for federally. Readers can visit my website www.maranoa.info to see a comprehensive list of the issues I’ve been focused on during this past electoral term.
Why should people vote for you?
Because I have had a lifelong understanding of the issues affecting rural and remote Queenslanders as I was born in Roma, raised my family and operated my business in the electorate. I am a passionate advocate for the people of rural Australia and about getting a fairer share for Maranoa communities. If the people of this great electorate continue to support me, I will remain committed to working hard and fighting for a fairer share for Maranoa.
GRANT NEWSON (Greens)
Age: 45
Occupation: Self employed
Have you stood before?
No.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
There are many issues facing the electorate of Maranoa due to its vast size. I am using the opportunity, as a candidate for the Greens in this election to campaign to protect the future of agriculture in Maranoa, promote the sustainable use of the Great Artesian Basin and protect the future viability of our rural and often neglected communities.
Of primary concern is the threat of experimental coal mining technologies such as the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) projects near Kingaroy and the potential 40,000 or more Coal Seam Gas Wells (CSGs) currently proposed in our region, many of which will be located on the most productive farming lands in Queensland and threaten the future sustainability of our water resources and the Great Artesian Basin.
Why should people vote for you?
The Greens are the third political party in Australia. The Maranoa electorate has been in the hands of one party for too long and people are seeing where rural communities are heading and do not wish to follow that path. I can offer the electorate a new face for a new future – saving underground water from pollution from UCG and CSGs, saving prime agricultural land from mining and ensuring that Maranoa will continue to be the prosperous and decent place we know and love.
GREG MCKAY (Family First)
Age: 50
Occupation: Miner, small business owner
Have you stood before?
No.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Commercial development, particularly how it will impact the traditional industries of agriculture. Housing affordability, interest rates and employment opportunities is a critical issue.
Why should people vote for you?
Family First is the only party that truly has families ahead of politics. We are committed to bringing balance to the Senate and to have every changed policy to be studied for the ways in which it will impact mainstream, Australian families.
GEOFF KEATING (ALP)
Age: 27
Occupation: High school teacher
Have you stood before?
In the last State Election in the seat of Southern Downs.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Transport: under the Howard Government, roads weren’t fixed and rail was cut back.
Provision of health services: again you only have to look at the massive reduction in health services, which is just ludicrous with a growing population and an ageing population. As Federal Health Minister, Tony Abbott stripped one billion dollars from the healthcare budget.
Why should people vote for you?
I’m a new, young, keen candidate who’s willing to listen and I’m willing to work my backside off to do the best for the electorate.
CHARLES NASON (Independent)
Age: 62
Occupation: Beef and Grain Producer
Have you stood before?
Never.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Not enough of the wealth generated by region remains in the Maranoa electorate.
The electorate has been neglected by previous Federal Governments.
The profitability of farming/grazing has declined dramatically.
Inadequate services for rural communities.
Lack of spending on infrastructure .
Australia has forgotten the importance of rural and regional areas and their contribution to the economy.
The need for “Maranoa friendly” climate change/climate variability policies, e.g. ETS and droughts.
Agriculture and mining need to coexist but prime farming land must be protected for future generations.
Why should people vote for you?
As an Independent, I am not constrained by party politics and my first and only responsibility is to the electorate.
I am an alternative candidate offering a fresh vision.
I am a current grain and cattle farmer concerned about declining rural and regional profitability.
Through my involvement in beef and grain research committees, I have become more aware of the challenges facing rural and regional Australia.
MARANOA ELECTION ODDS (Centrebet)
Bruce Scott (LNP) $1.005
Geoff Keating (ALP) $13
Grant Newson (The Greens) $26
Greg McKay (Family First) $26
Charles Nason (Independent) $26
WRIGHT is a baby of an electorate – in terms of its age, anyway.
Gazetted only in December last year, it covers an area of 7,589 square kilometres, starting immediately to the east of Toowoomba and stretching east as far as Hatton Vale, south-east to the Gold Coast hinterland and south to the Queensland-NSW border.
The electorate takes in Gatton, Grantham, Withcott, Helidon, Laidley, Boonah, Beaudesert, Rathdowney, Mount Tamborine, western Gold Coast suburbs such as Nerang, and southern parts of Logan City.
This makes for a diverse electorate, with constituents ranging from metropolitan Brisbane and Gold Coast residents to country town dwellers, farmers and “bushies”.
Issues important in Wright include farming, water and other resources, forestry and conservation, transport, tourism and the encroachment of urban sprawl.
SCOTT BUCHHOLZ (LNP) 
Age: 42
Occupation: Businessman/transport operator/former Chief of Staff for Senator Barnaby Joyce.
Have you stood before?
I was pre-selected in the 2007 Federal Election – number six on the joint Coalition Senate ticket, and as number five on the 2010 LNP Senate ticket. This will be my first Lower House run.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Wright is an extremely diverse electorate so the issues are really diverse.
In the northern part of the electorate, the Toowoomba Bypass is a key issue, and we’ve just committed $700 million dollars to building it if the Coalition wins government.
In the central part of the electorate, water security is a big one. We’ve got two new cities being built there so having the infrastructure, especially water, is a key issue. There are also 123 bridges in the Scenic Rim Region Local Government Area that need upgrading.
In the southern part of the electorate, nearer to the Gold Coast, I see the main issues as small business confidence and upgrades to the M1.
Why should people vote for you?
Because I will make a difference. The Coalition in general will make a difference. We left this government with money in the bank – it is now $147.3 billion in the red. We will stop this reckless spending.
Personally, I come from a small business background and I have critical experience in business. The Coalition in general – unlike the ALP – have critical experience in business.
A vote for me is a vote for good government with a return to business confidence and an emphasis on border security. I got into this because I wanted to make a difference and not just sit on the sidelines. I’m about action – not sitting back and watching – and I really want to make a difference.
ANNA BRIDLE (Greens)
Age: 63
Occupation: Office manager
Have you stood before?
No, this is the first time.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
To secure federal funding for the Scenic Rim and Lockyer Regional Councils to provide public transport services that will meet the needs of rural communities within Wright.
The need to improve local community mental health resources.
Ensuring Federal Government support for midwifery services in the larger centres of Beaudesert, Boonah, Jimboomba, Gatton and Nerang.
Protecting our local farming communities and South-East Qld food bowl from noxious industry and mining exploitation.
An increase in support and Federal Government funding to improve the health of the Logan, Bremer and Lockyer River catchments.
A society based on clean, nuclear-free renewable energy sources.
Why should people vote for you?
If people care about the future of their families and their environment, then they should vote in the party that shows a new way forward and that will work ethically and unceasingly with them to help bring about a peaceful, environmentally sustainable and productive way of life. That party is the Australian Greens.
Australian Greens are committed to protection of ecology, democracy, social justice, peace, an ecologically sustainable economy, meaningful work, opposing human rights abuse and securing the long-term future with sound government to achieve these aims.
Our policies provide a strong foundation for a flourishing civil society and economy, where the problems of poor health and social inequity, human rights abuse, degradation of agricultural land and our river systems, unsustainable economy and climate change are tackled with success.
ANDREW RAMSAY (ALP)
Age: 52
Occupation: Workplace Health and Safety Manager
Have you stood before?
I’ve been a member of the Australian Labor Party for 18 years and have worked on many federal, state and local government campaigns. More recently, I was a Your Rights at Work Community (YRAW) Coordinator at the 2007 Federal Election helping to win the federal seat of Moreton. The YRAW campaign showed we can make a difference when we care about the kind of world we want our kids to live and share in, and I guess that was a big part in me putting up my hand to run for Wright.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Wright is a new electorate spanning approximately 7,600 square kilometers. So the first major issue affecting all residents is roads, roads and roads. We also need better local public hospital services in our regional hospitals like Beaudesert, Boonah, Gatton and Laidley, where the Federal Labor Government has already started delivering an additional $3 billion in funding from July 1, 2010.
We need to continue Labor’s regional and community infrastructure funding programs bringing local communities our badly needed new school halls, libraries, classrooms, community centres, and boosting our local economies.
Why should people vote for you?
I’m a local resident of seventeen years and have proudly spent my working life representing working people and their families. As the Federal Member for Wright, I will stand up for local residents and local communities and ensure we get our fair share of federal funding for roads, hospitals, schools and other essential infrastructure.
KEN DEGEN (Independent)
Age: 57
Occupation: Building Services Authority (BSA) supervisor
Have you stood before?
No.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Population growth is the biggest issue facing Australia. By 2030, we will have a population of 28 million and that’s without immigration, that’s just through baby growth alone.
Politicians’ bad behaviour in parliament is a big issue – in the Lower House and the Senate. It’s disgraceful the way they carry on.
Cost of living.
I support the Toowoomba Bypass and the Brisbane Valley interchange, they should both go ahead.
Why should people vote for you?
I am against population growth. We need to stop the population growth and save this country. I have the same views that Dick Smith has on this issue. Dick Smith believes that if we continue with our current population growth, our standard of living will fall and the cost of living will continue to rise. This is the most important issue facing Australia and the major parties are just not doing anything about it.
JEREMY FREDERICKS (Family First)
Age: 28
Occupation? Civil engineer
Have you stood before?
Not federally. I stood in the seat of Burleigh in the 2009 Queensland Election.
What are the key issues facing your electorate?
Protecting and supporting the family. Issues like marriage guidance and counselling, building family services and facilities for families. If you don’t have a strong family unit, you don’t have a strong society.
Why should people vote for you?
We stand for families. If family is important to you – protecting the family, safeguarding family interests – then this is the party for you. Yes, the economy is important but we believe it all stems from the family unit. If family units are in crisis then we can’t have a healthy economy or anything else.
WRIGHT ELECTION ODDS (Centrebet)
Scott Buchholz (LNP) $1.18
Andrew Ramsay (ALP) $4.30
Anna Bridle (The Greens) $41
Ken Degen (Indpendent) $126
Jeremy Fredericks (Family first) $126
For all the latest news on the federal election, grab a copy of today's 
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