Elections > Federal Election 2007 > Candidates

Vicki Stocks

Australian Democrats candidate for Bonner

Why I am standing

As a young person, I saw first-hand how government decisions can adversely affect one's family and community. During the 1990's, I became involved in community action groups with my parents against the Rochedale Dump (a Liberal party initiative) and the Eastern Tollway (a Labor party initiative). These experiences instilled in me a deep mistrust of the two major parties and a personal awareness of my responsibility to speak up about destructive government policy.

As a member of Generation Y, I am acutely aware of the major challenges that lie ahead. With the major parties promising more of the same, I say it's time to start doing things differently. When you vote Democrat, you vote for genuine engagement with the community on the issues that matter and you send a message to the major parties that you want long-term outcomes, not short-term political expediency.

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Important issues in my electorate

Housing affordability is the big one. I have had first hand experience struggling to buy my first home so I know what it's like. The Democrats want a federal portfolio for housing to be set up and for a national affordable housing strategy to be developed involving all levels of government and stakeholders at community level.

Water, or the lack of it, is constantly in the back of peoples minds in the south-east corner of Queensland. It makes the climate change issue all too real. The Qld State government want to build more dams, but we think there's a better way. The Democrats would encourage the states to reform urban water pricing to fund, over the next 20 years, a major public investment in water infrastructure, replacing outdated plant and pipework, progressively installing 3rd pipe networks for effluent reuse, and building small scale stormwater capture and sewage treatment works.

We also reckon the Federal government should help fund more generous rebate programs to retrofit plumbing devices for all sectors to reduce water use and losses and install rainwater tanks and grey water systems connected to cisterns and laundries.

The other issue that is affecting along of young people and their families is the enormous cost of tertiary education and many students are struggling to make ends meet as a result. I'm also the Queensland President of the Young Australian Democrats and we've got some great ideas in this area. Check out the website www.myspace.com/learnearnandlive for more info.

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Important policy documents

The Democrats can best be described as policy nerds! Despite being a minor party, when it comes to policy, we definitely punch above our weight. We're also totally independent of any wealthy interest groups like big unions or big business. Check out our national website to find out what common sense looks like: http://www.democrats.org.au/policies/

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Contact Details

Other Candidates

BOESE, Shane - FPY
CHARLES, Lisa - LDP
GELLATLY, Stephen - FFP
REA, Kerry - ALP
* VASTA, Ross - LP
WYATT, David - GRN

* incumbent