Candidates vying for the seat of Lalor in this Saturday’s federal
election have shared a mix of views on divisive issues such as global
warming and gay marriage.
Out of the eight Lalor candidates who responded to questions from the Weekly, more have spoken out against the push to legalise gay marriage than those who have supported it.
Australian Christians party candidate Geoff Rogers, Family First
candidate Daryl Pollard and Rise Up Australia’s Marion Vale voiced
strong opposition to same-sex marriage.
Asked for her stance on the issue, ALP candidate and election
favourite Joanne Ryan said “as a human rights issue, I support equality
for all”.
She said the federal Labor party had introduced laws to remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.
Independent candidate Nathan Mullins said he saw no “practical
argument” against gay marriage. “I’m a heterosexual married male, and
having gay people able to legally marry in no way impacts on the union
with my wife,” he said.
Liberal candidate Nihal Samara said gay marriage would be a
post-election issue for the party room to decide, but he would consult
the public.
Candidates were also divided over the issue of climate change and the need for a carbon tax.
Mr Pollard, Mr Samara and Palmer United Party candidate Joe Zappia flagged the need for the tax to be repealed.
“The Palmer United Party will set up a national commission to
investigate the carbon issue and seek submissions from all Australians
so that the government is fully informed,” Mr Zappia said.
However, Greens candidate Beck Sheffield-Brotherton said there was
proof the climate was changing and that future governments needed to
commit to reducing Australia’s carbon footprint.
“It’s important we cut carbon pollution and drive investment in clean-energy technologies like solar and wind.”
Democratic Labour Party candidate Michael Freeman, Stable
Population Party’s Jonathan Page and Sex Party candidate Angel Harwood
did not respond to questions.
