Elections > Federal Election 2007 > Candidates

Alistair McCaskill

The Australian Greens candidate for Chisholm

Why I am standing

We can no longer overlook the fact that, if we continue to live as we do now, we will suffer an environmental, economic and humanitarian catastrophe. Global warming is a major part of this disaster-in-waiting, for it will have a detrimental impact on so many aspects of our lives.

We can no longer claim ignorance as the excuse for our failure to act on such pressing issues. I believe we each have a moral responsibility to do whatever is within our powers to protect the environment for future generations, to ensure that the world we leave to our children is in at least as good a state as the world that was bequeathed to us.

It is clear to me that Australia will not take real action on global warming unless we have a national government that truly recognises it as the greatest threat to our future security and prosperity. We need to see a fundamental change in the attitudes of our politicians if we are to tackle this threat, and I believe the only way to accomplish that change is for Australia’s voters to show the strength of their desire for action through the ballot box.

I therefore decided that the most effective way in which I can contribute to improving the world in which we live is by giving the people of Chisholm the opportunity to elect a representative who:
• Is a committed advocate for strong and urgent action to tackle global warming.
• Understands the importance of creating a sound, sustainable economy that is capable of meeting the legitimate aspirations of current and future generations.
• Has broad experience in many areas, including science, education, business and social welfare, and who can apply that experience to solving the economic, social and environmental problems that confront us today.

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Important issues in my electorate

Climate change and water security are of as much importance to the residents of Chisholm as they are to all Australians. It is important that government supports the means by which we can all decrease our impact on the environment, for example through the provision of far better public transport and the expansion of renewable energy.

Improved public transport will ease the congestion of the major roads (such as the Eastern and Monash freeways and Springvale Road) that run through or adjacent to Chisholm.

Home to several tertiary education institutions, Chisholm hosts a large student population. The abolition of the HECS/HELP loan schemes and the cancellation of existing loans will make it easier for students to concentrate on their studies, and improve access to higher education.

Chisholm is a generally prosperous electorate. However, the growing gap between the well off and the not so well off is quite evident. Rather than providing large tax cuts to the wealthiest members of the community, the Greens would seek to address this inequality through increased spending on health, education, disability support and aged care.

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Important policy documents

Full policies can be viewed at http://greens.org.au/election/policy.php

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Contact Details

Other Candidates

BERK, Daniel - DEM
* BURKE, Anna - ALP
KING, Myles - LP
ONG, Gary - FFP
THYSTRUP, Lars - CEC

* incumbent