Gerard Velnaar

The Australian Greens candidate for Franklin

Greens' Candidate for Franklin

Why I am standing

Gerard Velnaar, a resident of the Franklin electorate for over 20 years, believes that climate change requires immediate and resolute actions on a world, national and local level.

“This Federal Election will show just how serious Labor and Liberal are about climate change. Both seem determined to simplify the issue to one of nuclear vs coal, whereas The Greens know it to be about so much more” said Mr Velnaar.

“Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world with its lazy approach to climate change, having already fallen well behind the minimum targets set under Kyoto. We need to immediately ratify the Kyoto protocols, and be at the leading edge in energy efficiency.”

“At the local level, climate change is set to have a potentially dramatic effect on agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, forestry and all of the related industries, unless we take serious measures to address it.”

Mr Velnaar believes that, under the Howard government, the top end of town has been supported by handouts and unfair preferential treatment that require or provide no enduring social or ecological dividends to the nation. After years of this discrimination, local communities require some revitalisation.

Living near Cygnet with his wife and two daughters, Gerard Velnaar has served on regional and local sports committees and has a keen interest in the performing arts. He has senior management experience in organisations that have provided business, training and employment opportunities to many Tasmanians. Currently employed within the aged care industry, he is keenly aware of the ageing of our population, and the importance of enabling young Tasmanians to develop and prosper while still remaining a part of their local communities.

_{(Statement provided by candidate)}