Elections > Federal Election 2004 > Candidates

Erland Howden

The Australian Greens candidate for Berowra

Why I am standing

Erland Howden is The Greens' candidate for the Federal seat of Berowra, held by the notorious Phillip Ruddock. Erland is 18 years old and has deferred university this year to become involved in environmental and social activism.

Over the last 15 months, Erland has been involved in a wide variety of actions, fighting for Greens principles. Recently he visited the Tasmanian Forests, including the Styx Valley of the Giants, The Blue Tier and The Tarkine, participating in a logging truck blockade and camping at the Global Rescue Station. The Greens believe that the Tasmanian forests need protecting urgently and Erland is a strong advocate of this position.

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Important issues in my electorate

Erland is involved in the Refugee movement, having taken part in many rallies and protests against Phillip Ruddock and the Howard government’s harsh treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in detention. Erland has visited Villawood detention centre twice, once with Greens MP Ian Cohen. Speaking to detainees around his own age, Erland was appalled by the conditions under which they live compared to the freedom enjoyed by most Australian children. Erland has also met a number of Afghani asylum seekers on Temporary Protection Visas (TPV’s). The Greens believe TPV’s create discrimination by not allowing access to proper health care, education and social services.

Erland has lived in the Berowra electorate all his life and has a strong commitment to the local people who he believes are disempowered through misrepresentation by the Liberal government. He wishes to vocally offer people a real alternative: The Greens, a party who represent their constituents with honesty, integrity and a strong commitment to principles.

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Important policy documents

In this election, Erland is eager to challenge Liberal party policies, especially on the environment, treatment of asylum seekers, public health, education and Ruddock’s recent “security” legislation, which takes away many of the freedoms of ordinary Australians. Other important issues for this election are better public transport, free tertiary education, opposing the Australia-US free trade agreement and providing better public services before tax cuts. Erland is also committed to reducing global warming by using renewable energy and ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

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Contact Details

Other Candidates

BENSON, Matthew - IND
BLADE, Ross - IND
CLARK, Lance - FFP
COLEMAN, Bruce - CDP
COLNAN, Michael - ALP
* RUDDOCK, Philip - LP
VAN DE WEG, Margaret - DEM

* incumbent