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Fielding pushes for cancer centre

News Clippings ABC Online, July 30 2010

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The leader of Family First says he will fight for a $65 million cancer centre for Albury-Wodonga if he is re-elected.

Senator Steve Fielding and Family First candidate for Indi, Robert Cavedon, campaigned in north-east Victoria yesterday on health, water and housing affordability issues.

Senator Fielding says he will be in a position to pressure the next government to fund a cancer centre if he holds the balance of power.

“We are hopeful to end up in a balance of power position and work very hard for this region to make sure that the government of the day stops treating Albury and Wodonga like mugs and actually funds $65 million for a cancer centre,” he said.

Mr Cavedon says he will advocate for a big Buffalo dam project if elected.

He says it has become a taboo subject but increasing the capacity of dams is the best solution to the region’s water woes.

“We’re not allowed to talk about it but that’s the answer. They’ve got two billion dollars for water infrastructure, wouldn’t it be common sense to allocate a portion to increase the water reserves?” he said.

FREE UNI WITH EVERY SUPER FAST NBN CONNECTION

Press Releases July 30 2010

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If the National Broadband Network (NBN) were to go ahead, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said it must come with a free online university

‪Senator Fielding said the super fast NBN is a massive project costing billions of dollars and that a free online university would need to be part of any business case justifying such enormous spend.‪

“A free online university system is a real education revolution,” Senator Fielding said.

‪“A clever nation should be making it easier for all Australians to get an education, and this proposal does exactly that.‪”

Under Family First’s proposal, a Government backed free online university would be set up, offering free degrees to Australian citizens.‪

“A free online university system would provide unprecedented access to higher education opportunities, putting Australia at the forefront of learning,” Senator Fielding said.‪

“With the rollout of any NBN it makes sense to offer free university courses online which can be done according to a person’s individual schedule.‪

“A free online university would make it easier for thousands of rural and regional students to get a higher education because they wouldn’t need to relocate in order to go to university.‪

“There is no reason why we can’t offer free degrees and use the new NBN to do it.‪

“University courses shouldn’t have to be done during set times if we can store and download lectures at breakneck speeds.‪

“Being able to do university in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience would create enormous opportunities for mothers staying at home to look after their kids.‪

“A free online university will make Australia a clever country, and this initiative should be at the forefront of the Government’s thinking.‪”

‪But Senator Fielding said he would still be reluctant to support the NBN without a proper business case, with reports today that the $43b cost could blow out and double.

Diamond Creek councillor takes a tilt at McEwen

News Clippings Elizabeth Allen, Diamond Valley Leader, July 29 2010

BELEAGUERED Nillumbik councillor Belinda Clarkson is making a bid for Federal Parliament.

Cr Clarkson, who has been directed to attend a conduct panel hearing over alleged breaches of the council’s governance code, was last week nominated as the Family First candidate for McEwen.

Cr Clarkson said she was contacted by party leader Senator Steve Fielding who shared her concerns over bushfire management issues.

``I’m not doing this to get elected I’m doing this to push the cause and to give people a voice,’’ Cr Clarkson said.

``There are plenty of things which need to happen in the wake of Black Saturday and I want to make sure they happen for the sake of the community.

``Just because I’ve been victimised by the council that’s not going to stop me from doing what I believe is right.’‘

Her council colleagues last month voted to refer allegations Cr Clarkson breached the governance code and Local Government Act to a councillor conduct panel.

Cr Clarkson was last week removed from the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee as part of a shakeup of council appointments to advisory committees.

She resigned as chair of council’s policy and services committee in April and as council’s representative on the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee last October.

She remains on the Community Inclusion Advisory Committee.

All Nillumbik councillors, except Cr Clarkson, recently signed a ``statement for a cohesive council’‘.

Bushfire activist ready

News Clippings Herald Sun, July 29 2010

THE hustings admitted a controversial new member yesterday when Family First launched its candidate for McEwen.

Belinda Clarkson, Nillumbik councillor and passionate bushfire campaigner, will be on the Family First ticket in the northern Victorian electorate and she is raring to go.

``I’ve got nothing to lose, I just want to see some action,’’ Ms Clarkson said last night.

Senator Steve Fielding launched Ms Clarkson’s campaign yesterday in Diamond Creek, three weeks after approaching the 44-year-old mother of four teenagers to run for the seat outgoing Liberal MP Fran Bailey has held since 1996.

Senator wants inquiry into ‘unhealthy’ turbines

News Clippings Peter Collins, Warrnambool Standard , July 28 2010

A MEETING with Cape Bridgewater residents has spurred Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding to call for a Senate inquiry into the health effects of living near wind farms.

The Melbourne-based politician yesterday said he had met more than 25 people from the Portland district coastal area and Waubra near Ballarat who told him wind farms caused major health problems for those living near turbines.

“There is an obvious cluster of health issues ranging from sleep disturbances, headaches and problems with concentration and memory,” he said.

“It makes no sense the National Health and Medical Research Council can release a report claiming there is no evidence linking health issues and wind farms without interviewing anyone living near the turbines.

“I’ve heard about a local farmer who has moved out of his home because of the adverse health effects he and his family have been suffering from the windfarms.”

A total of 29 turbines were commissioned at Cape Bridgewater in 2008 after the planning minister went against recommendations of a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and a government-appointed panel.

Senator Fielding’s office would not reveal the names of Cape Bridgewater residents who told him of their complaints.

“They were a mixture of medium and long-term residents,” a spokesman said.

“As they live in a small community they do not want to be identified.”

Waubra has 128 turbines completed last year.

Senator Fielding said given the mounting physical evidence from people living near wind farms parliament should investigate.

“I think it’s only fair that if a cluster of symptoms arise in a local population at approximately the same time we owe it to the people to take a closer look,” the senator said.

“We all want to live in a clean environment, but we need to make sure it’s not at the cost of the local population who have to live near wind farms.

“It may be the case that we need to set out guidelines as to how close wind farms can be built to someone’s home, but I wouldn’t want to pre-empt any Senate inquiry.”

Fielding pledges wind farm health probe

News Clippings ABC Online, July 27 2010

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Senator Steve Fielding says Victorians with concerns about the health effects of wind farms have been let down by the State Government’s inaction.

Sevel residents of Waubra, west of Ballarat, say a 128-turbine wind farm there is making them feel sick.

Senator Fielding will visit those residents today.

He says he will launch a Senate inquiry into the health effects of wind farms if he is re-elected next month.

“All Victorians should be disappointed in the state and federal governments that refuse to really have a good look at this issue and why should fellow Victorians not be heard and not be listened to and a fair go given to them through an inquiry?” he said.

“Immediately following this election I’ll be calling for a federal inquiry into wind farms and the health issues surrounding them.”

FIELDING LENDS SUPPORT TO THOSE SUFFERING HEALTH EFFECTS FROM WIND FARMS

Press Releases July 27 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding has called for an immediate Senate Inquiry following the federal election to investigate the health consequences of living near wind farms.

After meeting with more than 25 people from Waubra and Cape Bridgewater in Victoria he is convinced that wind farms are causing major health problems for those who live near the turbines.

“There is an obvious cluster of health issues ranging from sleep disturbance, headaches, and problems with concentration and memory.

“It makes no sense that the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) can release a report claiming that there is no evidence linking health issues and wind farms without interviewing anyone living near the turbines.

“I‘ve heard how a local farmer who has moved out of his home because of the adverse health effects he and his family have been suffering from the wind farms.

“Given the mounting physical evidence from those living near wind farms I think it’s only fair for the Parliament to have a look into what is happening.

“I think it’s only fair that if a cluster of symptoms arise in a local population at approximately the same time we owe it to the people to take a closer look.”

Senator Fielding said he wasn’t against clean technology but it needs to be put in the right place so it’s not going to harm the health of the community.

“We all want to live in a clean environment but we need to make sure it’s not at the cost of the local population who have to live near wind farms.

“It may be the case that we need to set out guidelines as to how close wind farms can be built to someone’s home but I wouldn’t want to pre-empt any Senate Inquiry.”

Moore Again

News Clippings July 27 2010

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Family First leader Steve Fielding announced her as an endorsed candidate for the Murray seat yesterday.

Ms Moore, a veterinarian who co-manages her Kyabram clinic, said she intended to speak to families, farmers and small business owners about the party’s policies in the next four weeks.

After recording a .94 per cent swing last federal election by gaining 3.32 per cent of the vote, Ms Moore said she hoped the support continued to grow.

Ready for a challenge

News Clippings Bendigo Advertiser, July 27 2010

FEDERAL election Family First candidate Alan Howard is under no illusion about the challenges ahead.

Mr Howard toured central Victoria with Family First leader and senator Steve Fielding yesterday and said although the election would be tough nothing was impossible.

“At the lower house level, the reality is it has been a Labor seat for a long time and it would be a very big job to wrest that off it,” he said.

“However, nothing is impossible, I am not facing this as totally impossible.

“Unlikely yes, but not impossible.

“This is the electorate of Bendigo but it covers a really wide area and sometimes that gets forgotten.

“I recognise Bendigo is a strong and growing centre but it is also a big place of services and small businesses and while many people see we have escaped the GFC there is still a lot of pressure.

“I’d like to point out that probably by the end of the election one party leader might come to Bendigo.

He said central Victoria was the first place Mr Fielding had visited since his return from Afghanistan.

Mr Fielding said he was thrilled to have Mr Howard on board because of his passion for the area.

“A lot of people are seeing it as a battle between Family First and the Greens but at the end of the day my record over five years has proven we look out for what is best for the community and families.

“We make sure commonsense is applied.”

IF THE STATE CAN’T FIX MELB’S TRAINS THEN THE FEDS SHOULD

Press Releases July 27 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said people are jack of Melbourne’s woeful trains and its time the Federal Government injected some cash to fix the problem after today’s latest disaster.

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said people are jack of Melbourne’s woeful trains and its time the Federal Government injected some cash to fix the problem after today’s latest disaster.

Senator Fielding said less people would use cars cutting massive amounts of pollution if Melbourne’s train network was extended into growth areas and if the trains actually ran on time.

“More people on trains equals less traffic congestion and less pollution and that’s why we need to fix the problem from a federal level,” Senator Fielding said.

“Yes the State Government is responsible for public transport but the Federal Government is responsible for infrastructure and cutting back on the nation’s pollution.

“Some extra cash would certainly help fix Melbourne’s trains and the environment at the same time.

“There is no doubt if Melbourne had a half decent public transport system more people would use it which would mean less pollution from cars.

“People need to have faith in the system if they’re going to use it.”

Senator Fielding said Melbourne’s train network hadn’t improved since Metro took over from the Connex diaster.

“It just gets worse and worse for people who have to use Melbourne’s trains,” Senator Fielding said.

“There is no doubt in my mind that if we have a strong public transport system people will use it and leave the car at home creating less pollution.”

Senator Fielding said people would be less inclined to drive their car if we had trains running in the growth areas around Melbourne.

ABBOTT FLIP FLOPS ON CHILDCARE POLICY AGAIN

Press Releases July 26 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says Tony Abbott is sending mixed messages on childcare and people shouldn’t necessarily believe his $89 million announcement as the gospel truth.

Senator Fielding said the Coalition voted to cut the childcare rebate and freeze any indexation only one month ago, but now for some reason they have decided to bring it back as part of an election promise.

“The Coalition hasn’t got a clue what it’s doing with childcare after it voted with the Government to cut the rebate and freeze any indexation of the payment,” Senator Fielding said.

“It’s hard to know what the Coalition is doing when it comes to childcare, but at the end of the day actions speak louder than words and their actions have been quite negative.

“The Liberal Party voted to slash the childcare rebate only one month ago so why should voters now believe they are genuine with their $89 million pledge?”

Senator Fielding said Family First is the only party that continues to stand up for families in Parliament and voters shouldn’t forget that on polling day.

“We shouldn’t be letting the Government off the hook either because it was their policy that caused the rebate to be cut in the first place,” Senator Fielding said.

“The decision to cut the childcare rebate was a kick in the guts to mums and dads who are already having trouble paying their childcare bills.

“The Government says they’re helping working families but at the same time they’re cutting the rebate and going back on their promise to build 260 childcare centres.”

In April the Government announced that it was no longer going to build the 260 childcare centres that it promised to deliver before the 2010 election.

$400M CAR REBATE PROGRAM COULD BE USED TO FIX PUBLIC TRANSPORT MESS

Press Releases July 24 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding has welcomed Julia Gillard’s new car rebate but would prefer to see some of the $400 million for the program used to fix Melbourne’s appalling public transport network.

Senator Fielding said less people would use cars if Melbourne’s train network was extended into growth areas and that if the trains actually ran on time.

“We need to get more people onto public transport not only to reduce pollution but to also ease traffic congestion,” Senator Fielding said.

“There is no doubt if Melbourne had a half decent public transport system more people would use it which would mean less pollution from cars.

“Sure getting cleaner cars on the road is a good idea but why not introduce a policy which would see people less reliant on cars all together.”

Senator Fielding said Melbourne’s train network hadn’t improved since Metro took over from the disaster which was Connex.

“It just gets worse and worse for people who have to use Melbourne’s trains,” Senator Fielding said.

“If we’ve got $400m to spend to reduce pollution then I think fixing and extending public transport is money well spent.

“There is no doubt in my mind that if we have a strong public transport system people will use it and leave the car at home creating less pollution.”

Senator Fielding said people would be less inclined to drive their car if we had trains running in the growth areas around Melbourne.

CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY HAS ALREADY SPOKEN AND SAID NO

Press Releases July 23 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says we already have a citizens’ assembly and it’s called the Parliament and it’s voted down a price on carbon twice.

Senator Fielding said Julia Gillard was sounding more and more like Kevin Rudd with his 2020 summit which was just a lot of hot air.

“There is no way we should be selling out the nation’s economy before the big emitters move because it will simply boot jobs offshore,” Senator Fielding said.

“Julia Gillard seems to have forgotten that we already have a citizens’ assembly called Parliament and it has already voted down a price on carbon twice.

“It’s time the Labor Party got the hint that any decision to move before the rest of the world would be economically reckless and cripple our economy.

“The PM isn’t showing any leadership, all she is doing is handballing it off to 150 people who she can use as a scapegoat for responsibility.”

Senator Fielding said the citizens’ assembly would be a bunch of handpicked Labor puppets who wouldn’t look at the science but only find ways to sell out our economy.

“Labor has an agenda to put a price on carbon so we’re not going to get a fair debate about the science,” Senator Fielding said.

“There are 226 people in the Australian Parliament who represent the people and they have already said no to a price on carbon.

“We’ve just come out of the global financial crisis and now is not the time to risk our economy on a punt.

“If Julia Gillard is genuine about getting information to the people then that should include both sides of the argument when it comes to what is driving climate change.”

Family First enter Casey fray

News Clippings Claire Peter-Budge, Maroondah Leader, July 22 2010

FAMILY First leader Senator Steve Fielding today announced Daniel Harrison as the small party’s candidate for the federal seat of Casey.

Senator Fielding expressed his happiness to have Mr Harrison on board due to his strong commitment to improving the area.

“Daniel is prepared to stick his neck out and stand up for his local area on the issues that count,’’ Senator Fielding said.

Mr Harrison, a commerce student at Monash University, lives in Lilydale.

It will be the second time he has run as Family First’s candidate in the seat, after he secured 4.19 per cent of the primary vote in 2007.

“The eastern suburbs have suffered long enough and its time we got our fair share back,’’ Mr Harrison said.

“The area is growing at an extremely fast rate yet the government is refusing to put in the necessary infrastructure to support the growth in population.’‘

Senator Fielding will be in the electorate at a later date to officially launch Mr. Harrison’s campaign.

Fielding on Afghanistan

Audio/Video July 22 2010

Senator Fielding talks to The Age’s Tim Lester on his trip to Afghanistan

Student puts Family First

News Clippings ALEX SINNOTT, Warrnambool Standard, July 22 2010

THE youngest and possibly last Wannon candidate was declared today after nursing student Jazheel Concepcion threw her hat into the ring for Family First.

The social-conservative party has run candidates at the past two elections with student Daniel Pech gaining more than four per cent of the overall Wannon vote at the 2007 election.

Ms Concepcion has lived in Warrnambool for four years and previously resided in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

She said last night she was disappointed to be the only candidate to not attend The Standard’s public forum next Monday night, but was committed to a prior engagement.

Family First leader Steve Fielding said he was happy to have Ms Concepcion as the party’s candidate because she has shown a strong commitment to improving the area.

The Deakin University midwifery student said she was looking forward to her first tilt at the political arena.

Family First leader Steve Fielding said he was happy to have Ms Concepcion as the party’s endorsed candidate because she has shown a strong commitment to improving the area.

“Jahzeel is prepared to stick her neck out and stand up for her local area on the issues that count,” Senator Fielding said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Jahzeel can run a strong campaign given how much she cares about the local area and the people.”

Steve Fielding takes secret Afghanistan trip

News Clippings ninemsn, July 22 2010

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Victorian Family First senator Steve Fielding has spent five days on secret missions in Afghanistan, despite being on the ballot in next month’s federal election.

The senator did not reveal he had been in Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan until he was flying back to Australia because of “strict security requirements for the safety of troops and myself’‘, The Age reported.

Despite being in Afghanistan secretly during the start of the election campaign, his Melbourne office managed to issue seven press releases on domestic issues.

He conceded to The Age that missing the first few days of the campaign would “probably damage my re-election”.

But the controversial senator said it would be selfish for him to cancel his Afghanistan trip for a political campaign, given how hard the soldiers were working.

‘‘The next two years are critical over here and our guys and girls are busting their guts and doing a great job in the most trying and extreme and dangerous conditions,” he was quoted saying.

Senator Fielding is facing an uphill re-election battle after a preference deal in 2004 saw him voted in with just two percent of the primary vote.

Frontline Fielding puts the Diggers first

News Clippings Tim Lester, The Age, July 22 2010

STEVE Fielding’s eccentric political career could end at next month’s federal election yet the Victorian senator has spent five vital days of the campaign on secret missions in southern Afghanistan.

Speaking in Dubai on his way home from the war zone, Senator Fielding told the Herald “strict security requirements for the safety of troops and myself” precluded press releases about the nine-day trip.

Two Liberals, Senator Guy Barnett and veteran MP Philip Ruddock, travelled with him to the Australian base at Tarin Kowt on a government-funded familiarisation with the campaign against the Taliban.

“It is a very difficult and dangerous place,” the Family First senator said. “The next two years are critical over here and our guys and girls are busting their guts and doing a great job in the most trying and extreme and dangerous conditions.”

The senator declined to detail what Australian forces had shown him in Tarin Kowt. “Some of the missions are secret,” he said. “A lot of the stuff has been high security.”

He was in Afghanistan when he learnt Prime Minister Julia Gillard had called the election.

Senator Fielding won only 2 per cent of the primary vote in 2004 but was elected on Labor preferences. Widely expected to lose his Senate spot in next month’s election, he rates his chances at “50-50” but says his absence “will probably damage my re-election”.

The secret trip did not stop his campaign. His Melbourne office issued seven press releases when he was abroad, none mentioning the Afghanistan trip.

“We’re sending people here you know ... with their lives at risk to ... make the world safer and the least that I could do was, you know, not to pull out for the sake of a couple of days with my own re-election campaign. I though it’d probably be ... selfish if I did come back,” he said.

Initially claiming an early departure from Afghanistan would have sent “all the troops the wrong message”, he later conceded he had asked Defence officials in Tarin Kowt “about trying to get back ... early”.

On his assessment of the war and of polls suggesting majority support for Australia’s withdrawal, he argues now is not the time to leave.

Abbott warns Greens preference deal a game-changer

News Clippings NICOLA BERKOVIC, SID MAHER, ADDITIONAL REPORTING: MATTHEW FRANKLIN , The Australian, July 21 2010

THE preference deal between Labor and the Greens and senator Bob Brown’s demands for higher mining taxes have injected a radical new note of uncertainty into the election campaign, says Tony Abbott.

Last night, the Opposition Leader told The Australian the preferences deal would mean that, should the government be returned, the minerals resources rent tax would almost certainly have to be changed, with consequences for government spending.

``There will be more taxing and more spending, but it won’t be the taxing or the spending the government wants,’’ Mr Abbott said.

The opposition was quick to claim the deal could bring an emissions trading scheme and higher electricity prices.

Senator Brown has called for large changes to the mining tax but he said last night that if the Greens held the balance of power in the Senate, he would allow the legislation through as it was the lesser of two evils, considering Mr Abbott’s vow to block the tax.

Senator Brown last night urged voters to ignore the preference deal agreed by the parties. The Greens leader told ABC’s Lateline voters should place candidates in the order of their choice, not what was on parties’ how-to-vote cards.

If the Greens win the balance of power in the upper house, as is expected, they will have the ability to shape legislation through negotiation with the government and opposition. Julia Gillard insisted last night that Labor had made no policy deals to secure the Greens’ preferences in lower house seats in exchange for upper house preferences.

Senator Brown yesterday called for changes to the government’s proposed mining tax, including redirecting $6 billion earmarked for port, rail and roads for mining states to ``civic amenities’‘.

The Greens leader denied that the ``backroom deal’‘, as he described it yesterday, to exchange preferences with the ALP contained any policy guarantees for the Greens from the government.

He said the Greens were against the exploitation of coal-seam gas and open-cut coal mines and the mining companies should be forced to pay for their own infrastructure.

The government has said it would spend $6bn of the mining tax revenue over 10 years on infrastructure, including $2bn each on the big mining states of Western Australia and Queensland. Under its compromise with the miners, the government cut the resources tax rate from 40 per cent to an effective 22.5 per cent.

But the Prime Minister, who met Senator Brown last week, said the deal would not have an impact on government policy.

Ms Gillard said preference arrangements were settled between political party administrators, not the parliamentary wing.

``I have not been negotiating with Senator Brown on preferences,’’ she said in Townsville.

Senator Brown also distanced himself from the deal, arguing he did not know the detail of the pact and urged voters to make up their own minds on how they numbered their ballot papers.

Family First senator Steve Fielding warned if Labor won government, it would be held to ransom by ``Bob Brown and (his) gang of hippie friends’‘.

The opposition’s environment spokesman, Greg Hunt, questioned whether Labor had made a secret promise to introduce an emissions trading scheme to secure the Greens’ preferences. ``Julia Gillard must guarantee that the price of this preference deal will not result in any increase in electricity costs for mums and dads,’’ Mr Hunt said.

Senator Brown said Ms Gillard’s backdown on the mining tax would cost the budget $12bn and small business would pay for it through the shelving of the second tranche of the tax cuts they had been promised. He also attacked the use of mining tax proceeds for mining infrastructure instead of on public services such as health and public transport. He said the government was spending money to ``hurry coal out of the country . . . And we don’t have public transport in much of the country’‘.

``How wacky and out of kilter that is,’’ he said.

He also intensified his attack on the coal-seam gas industry at a cocktail party for Greens candidates. He said drill holes to extract the gas would each compromise one hectare of prime farm land on the Darling Downs.

With the Greens polling at 12 per cent in the latest Newspoll, their preferences will prove vital in several marginal seats as Labor attempts to stave off the Coalition.

The preference deal will almost certainly deliver the Greens the balance of power in the Senate. This means the Greens would have the power to block legislation and force concessions from the government when the opposition opposes it.

Senator Brown said he understood the preferences deal covered the majority of the marginal seats.

A Labor strategist said the deal covered more than 50 key seats, but preferences were still being worked through on a local, seat-by-seat level.

As details of the deal emerged, Senator Brown attacked Ms Gillard’s compromise with the miners, which cut the expected revenue from the tax to $10.5bn, and accused her of a backdown.

He called for funds from the mining tax to be delivered to the bush to improve rail, quarantine, education and health facilities and for ``civic amenity’‘. ``I think these mining corporations with their multi-billion profits are well able to provide their own rail lines and port facilities,’’ he said.

Gillard denies behind-the-scenes deal with Greens

News Clippings Emma Rodgers, ABC News, July 21 2010

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has denied making promises to the Greens in order to strike a preference deal.

The Greens have agreed to give Labor preferences in around 50 marginal Lower House seats in return for Labor preferences in the Senate.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says Ms Gillard must explain what she has offered the Greens in return for the deal, saying the preferences “don’t come for free”.

But Ms Gillard has told Channel 7 she has not put any policy promises on the table in return for the preferences.

“If you’re asking me as Prime Minister have I made any promises or pledges to the Greens in relation to preferences, the answer is absolutely not, no,” she said.

“Every policy I put forward in this election campaign will be a policy that I believe is important to shaping the future of this nation and taking us forward.”

Mr Abbott has accused Ms Gillard of doing a deal with the Greens.

“That will mean a higher mining tax, they’ll mean a carbon tax if Labor wins the election and that means higher prices for consumers, particularly higher electricity prices.”

“That means more pressure on people’s standard of living.”

Greens leader Bob Brown is also uncomfortable with the deal, urging voters yesterday to make up their own mind about preferences.

The Greens are likely to hold the balance of power in the Senate after the next election and will be looking to make changes to the Government’s mining tax legislation.

The Greens are also pushing for a interim price on carbon.

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan has told AM Labor will not be changing its mining tax policy.

“We’ve put a design out. We are consulting about that design and we have absolutely no intention of changing our policy,” he said.

Family First Senator Steve Fielding also hit out at the deal yesterday, saying it would hand power to “Bob Brown and [his] gang of hippy friends”.

As the leaders begin day four of the campaign Ms Gillard is in western Sydney and will visit the marginal seat of Macquarie.

Mr Abbott is continuing his campaign in Melbourne.

Green pact boosts Gillard in Victoria

News Clippings Phillip Hudson, Herald Sun, July 21 2010

THE Gillard Government will receive Green preferences in a deal that will significantly boost its chance of winning critical Victorian marginal seats.

The Herald Sun believes the preference swap pact covers nine seats in Victoria, including Deakin and Corangamite, Labor’s two most marginal seats and threatened by strong Liberal campaigns. In the 2007 poll, the Liberals were ahead in both seats after primary votes were counted but lost after preferences were allocated.

The deal means Labor voters who switch to the Greens will have their vote flow back to Labor if they follow the how-to-vote card.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who is campaigning in Melbourne, last night told the Herald Sun it was ``a sleazy, sordid, grubby, secret deal’‘.

``Julia Gillard has to come clean. What price will she pay for this deal to get Green preferences?’’ he said.

Mr Abbott said if Labor won the election the Greens were likely to hold the balance of power in the Senate and they would demand ``revisions to the mining tax, changes to spending and a carbon tax’‘.

The ALP will give its first preferences in the Senate to the Greens in every state and territory. The move will help Richard Di Natale’s quest to win the Greens’ first Senate seat in Victoria.

In return, the Greens will give preferences to Labor ahead of the Coalition in about 50 of the most important House of Representatives seats. With the Greens polling 12 per cent of the vote in opinion polls, it could help Labor win close contests.

It is believed the deal also covers the bushfire-hit seat of McEwen, where the well-regarded Liberal Fran Bailey is retiring. She won by just 31 votes in 2007.

The Greens will also back Labor in Aston, Dunkley, La Trobe, Bendigo, Melbourne Ports and the PM’s seat of Lalor.

Greens leader Bob Brown distanced himself from the deal, urging voters to decide their own preferences. ``Put your preferences where you want,’’ he said.

Preferences can be critical in the Senate, as shown in 2004 when Labor favoured Family First’s Steve Fielding and helped him to be elected with just 1.88 per cent of the vote.

Senator Fielding said the Labor-Greens pact was ``a dirty deal that will increase the cost of living’’ through new taxes.

``This is a deal which Labor will live to regret as it will be held to ransom if it wins government by Bob Brown and his gang of hippie friends,’’ he said.

In the Senate, people can vote above the line on the ballot paper by placing just the number 1 in one box, and the preferences are distributed according to a ticket set by that party. If people vote below the line they can choose their own preferences but must number every box in order.

Fear mongering over Greens deal

News Clippings Phillip Coorey , Sydney Morning Herald , July 21 2010

THREE years ago, the Liberals were warning that the nation’s economic prosperity and social cohesion were at risk.

The reason?

Labor had cut a preference deal with the Greens. It was not as comprehensive as that sealed in the first week of this campaign, in which the Greens will receive Labor Senate preferences in every state and territory, and Labor will receive Greens preferences in more than 50 marginal seats.

Before the 2007 election, the deal was less comprehensive.

For example, it did not apply in Tasmania. The Greens issued a split ticket because they were unhappy that both major parties supported the proposed Gunns pulp mill.

Nonetheless, fear, a common tactic in politics because it is often successful, was employed.

If Labor governed in cahoots with the Greens, warned the then Liberal minister Nick Minchin, it would be held hostage to ‘‘radical causes that would damage the fabric of our society and our economic prosperity’’.

The Family First Senator, Steve Fielding, foretold the end of the coal industry and the introduction of ‘‘free injecting rooms in the streets’’ while the Nationals Senator Ron Boswell said the Greens were plotting to ‘‘control and run the country’’.

The logic behind such alarmism is that the Greens have a pretty loose social policy agenda.

If they control the balance of power in the Senate, the Labor government would have to accede to their demands in return for having legislation passed.

In no time at all, Parliament House would be festooned with bongs and macrame.

Little has changed this time around as the details of the latest and more comprehensive preference deal emerged and the Coalition forces seek to use the deal to damage Labor prospects.

The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, was a little slow on the uptake on Monday but he was in full flight yesterday.

With the Greens running the Senate and Labor in power, there would be a carbon tax and the recently diluted mining tax would be ramped right up.

‘‘That means a higher cost of living for ordinary Australians. In particular, it means higher electricity prices for ordinary Australians,’’ he said.

Barnaby Joyce thundered about the imminent onset of gay marriage while the Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said Labor and the Greens ‘‘would kill job security with their unrealistic and extreme policies’’.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has promised no carbon tax in the next term and the mining tax would be implemented in the form in which it has been outlined.

Showdown with four to contest seat

News Clippings Bendigo Advertiser, July 21 2010

COMPETITION for the seat of Bendigo in the August 21 federal election increased yesterday with the announcement of a fourth candidate.

Family First Senator Steve Fielding announced that Axe Creek father of two Alan Howard would stand.

The Nationals confirmed they would not have a candidate while former One Nation and independent candidate Karel Zegers has decided he would not return to the campaign trail.

Mr Howard is a former executive director of the North Central Region Tourism Authority and the YMCA. Married to Lisa, he has spent the best part of the last 10 years as a stay-at-home dad to their sons Tom, 18, and Lachlan, 16.

Mr Howard, who is no stranger to politics, said his alignment with Family First was only months old.

In the 1999 state election he ran as an independent against Labor’s Bob Cameron in the seat of Bendigo West. “I think I personify what Family First is about,” Mr Howard said.

“I was a bachelor for 40 years and now have a wonderful family.’’

He said elections in the past for the seat of Bendigo had been “boring”, with a perception Labor would win. But this year, he said, there was strong competition from all candidates and it was “not impossible” that a minority party could win the seat.

“In this electorate I hope people won’t take the outcome for granted,” Mr Howard said.

“The vote is a precious thing. What I want is to be part of an invigorating campaign process.”

In the past, Mr Howard said he had beaten the odds and hoped to do so again.

He lost everything in a failed business deal and had three narrow escapes from death after crashing his Tiger Moth plane, nearly drowning while scuba diving off Portland and being badly injured in a parachuting accident at Pyramid Hill.

Mr Howard said he would support families and small business by campaigning against a tax on carbon and he was passionate about securing Steve Fielding’s position in the Senate.

Border protection and asylum seekers would also be big issues in the election, he said.

Mr Howard will go up against Labor’s Steve Gibbons, Liberal candidate Craig Hunter and the Greens’ Kymberlie Dimozantos in the August 21 election.

Family First candidate repaying Fielding

News Clippings Brad Worrall, Border Mail, July 21 2010

AN Ovens Valley exporter will repay the debt that saved his company, and run for Family First in the federal election.

Robert Cavedon says the support of Senator Steve Fielding saved the family business and more than 30 jobs when the major parties and member for Indi Sophie Mirabella were silent.

The senator, who holds a crucial vote in the upper house, helped defeat legislation that would have more than doubled export costs for the Game Meats Company.

Mr Cavedon, 58, said he couldn’t say no.

“At our darkest hour and with jobs on the line he stood up for us, he took the fight to Canberra when no one else wanted to know” he said.

“We still haven’t seen Sophie here and a Greens senator listened to our concerns and said we had her sympathy before walking away and voting against us.

“The major parties seem more interested in throwing mud at one another than getting a result, playing the blame game.

“As a small businessman I appreciate that action speaks louder than words and that is exactly what we got with Senator Fielding.”

The father of four says a Border cancer centre and Big Buffalo were the priorities for Indi.

“How can you have sick people travelling six hours, three hours down, three hours back — for what in some cases is life-saving treatment,” he said.

“The other thing is Big Buffalo, we need those water reserves.

“They own the land, it isn’t going to cost them anything extra and we want it built.

“The Brumby and Rudd governments have allocated $1 billion each to improving water infrastructure.

“But the fact is we need a water reserve to pull water from.

“You can polypipe the state but at the end of the day they are not going to pump out of a river on the whim of environmental flows.

“When they went looking for water for Melbourne they didn’t go to a river, they went to Eildon, they went to a dam.”

Mr Cavedon, who owns the Red Stag deer farm with his wife, said tourism was another area of attention.

“I know it is a state issue but Mount Buffalo is going to waste,” he said.

“An iconic mountain, a major drawcard and yet neither of the major parties can get their act together.”

MORE TAXES ON ALCOHOL WON’T DO ANYTHING: FIELDING

Press Releases July 21 2010

» Download press release

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says the Greens are a bit slow off the mark in trying to address our $16 billion alcohol toll by trying to introduce another tax which won’t do much to stop the problem.

Senator Fielding says banning 24 hour bottle shops and de-hooking alcohol advertising from sport is a better way to address our alcohol toll.

“The $3b alcopops tax has been a real fizzer so giving the Government more money will actually do nothing unless you introduce practical measures to reduce binge drinking,” Senator Fielding said.

“Its good to see the Greens have finally taken an interest in tackling our culture of binge drinking but as usual they’re going about it totally the wrong way.

“The Government has more than enough money from taxes and levies what we need to do is ban 24 hour bottle shops and de-hook alcohol advertising from sport.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob Brown had a few to many when he thought of this policy.”

Senator Fielding said over the last 10 years more than 3000 Australians have died every year of alcohol-induced conditions.

“If 3000 people died on our roads every year the Government would be doing everything in its power to cut that figure,” Senator Fielding said.

“Now is the time for us to do something to address Australia’s $16 billion alcohol toll instead of just introducing another tax like the Greens want to do.

“It costs taxpayers $16 billion a year mopping up the mess caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol.

“Family First is the only party that has a real policy to address our culture of binge drinking.”

COCKY GILLARD HASN’T STOPPED THE BOATS

Press Releases July 20 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says Julia Gillard shouldn’t be so cocky with her attempt to stop people smuggling after another 84 asylum seekers were taken to Christmas Island today.

Senator Fielding says the PM has given the appearance that’s she’s doing something to stop the boats but in reality there’re just going to keep on coming under her Government.

“This latest boatload could be Tampa 2 and define the election,” Senator Fielding said.

“I have little doubt people will see through Gillard’s flawed plan, which won’t stop the boats and won’t fix this escalating problem.

“The only way to stop the boats is to make sure we don’t give the people smugglers something to market.

“I’m sure Tony Abbott is hoping the boats keep on coming for the next five weeks despite his claim that he wants to stop them.”

Senator Fielding said he remains convinced that the best way to stop the tsunami of boats is to send queue jumpers to the back of the line in refugee camps around the world.

“Labor’s approach might look like a quick fix but it reeks of a desperate Government trying to cover up an escalating problem,” Senator Fielding said.

“Every time we accept a refugee into our country by boat, another refugee waiting patiently in a camp somewhere else is forced to wait even longer.

“There are thousands of refugees patiently waiting in line in camps across the world trying to gain asylum.

“Boat people have no right to push them further down the queue and this proposal would stop this from happening.

“This scheme would save millions of dollars as well as countless lives and put an end to the people smuggling trade into Australia.

“Australia is a fair and compassionate country and we should do our fair share to help refugees, but we should not encourage queue jumpers.

“If the Gillard Government is serious about stopping the boats then this idea should be adopted immediately.”

Under the proposal, Australia would take two refugees from the front of the queue for every boat person trying to enter the country.

LABOR’S DIRTY DEAL WITH THE GREENS WILL INCREASE THE COST OF LIVING

Press Releases July 20 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says a vote for Labor is now a vote for the Greens and their extreme policies following a preference deal between the two earlier today.

Senator Fielding said if anyone votes for Labor or Greens they’ll be voting for new taxes which will severely raise the cost of living.

“Family First was willing to do a preference deal with the two major parties, but Labor walked away from the negotiations because they preferred the extreme policies of the Greens,” Senator Fielding said.

“Labor’s grubby deal with the Greens is a complete sell-out of Australian families and small businesses.

“I have no doubt this is a deal which Labor will live to regret as it will be held to ransom if it wins Government by Bob Brown and gang of hippy friends.

“Labor has given the green light to the Greens’ deadly policies to open heroin injecting rooms across the country, which shows Julia Gillard cannot be trusted to represent everyday families.

“Family First stands for balance and commonsense yet Labor has instead opted for the extreme Greens who will hold the Government to ransom to dictate their dangerous agenda.

“The Greens pose a real danger to our country with their policies which will destroy families, destroy jobs and destroy the economy.

“Working families who don’t want to be slapped with a massive carbon tax on all their household expenses now have only one choice and that’s to vote Family First.

Family First is still finalising its preferences.

KISSING BABIES DOESN’T MEAN LABOR IS FAMILY FRIENDLY

Press Releases July 18 2010

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Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan can kiss as many babies as they want but at the end of the day they won’t support the parents who have to bring them up.

Senator Fielding said the Labor Government doesn’t care about families because they cut the childcare rebate and reneged on a promise to build 260 childcare centres during their first term.

“Just because the PM is kissing babies for the cameras doesn’t mean she’s actually doing anything for parents,” Senator Fielding said.

“Sure kissing babies looks good for the cameras but sadly it’s just a case of more spin than substance from Labor.

“Gillard’s family friendly sell is just likes Rudd’s con when he tried to sell health reform by dragging the cameras along as he went from hospital to hospital.

“All the babies the PM has been kissing are going to need someone to look after them and I can guarantee you it won’t be a Labor Government helping the parents out given their track record.

“At the end of the day parents are $278 worse off because of the Labor Government’s cuts to the childcare rebate.”

Senator Fielding said it was time the two major parties stood up and announced real policy when it comes to childcare and helping parents.

“The Government is heading in the complete opposite direction of the Henry Tax Review which recommended more assistance for families in the area of childcare,” Senator Fielding said.

“Ken Henry’s idea of giving low-income families a 90 percent subsidy for childcare makes a lot more sense than making a wholesale cut to the rebate like Labor did.

“We should be doing more to support families by taking the financial pressure of childcare off our most vulnerable people.”

No word on housing prices: Fielding

News Clippings AAP, July 17 2010

Family First senator Steve Fielding has criticised Labor and the coalition for not addressing the issue of housing affordability, as federal election campaigning gets under way around Australia.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Saturday announced that Australians would go to the polls on August 21.

She and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have already held press conferences outlining some of their policy priorities.
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Senator Fielding, who is fighting to keep his upper house seat past June 30, 2011, said he was confident voters would re-elect him because Family First was the only party focused on issues such as housing affordability, childcare and crime.

“People care about the rising cost of living and so far we’ve heard nothing about how Gillard or Abbott is going to ease our housing affordability crisis,” he said.

“I still believe it’s the great Australian dream to own your home and I think we should be doing all that we can to help people buy a house.”

Senator Fielding called on the government to establish a scheme where first homebuyers could access $15,000 of their superannuation for a deposit on a property.

Under Senator Fielding’s plan, it would then have to be paid back over 15 years, interest free.

WHAT ABOUT MOVING FORWARD FOR FAMILIES?

Press Releases July 17 2010

» Download press release

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding says it’s now game on for who will hold the balance of power in the Senate after Julia Gillard set a date for the election today.

Senator Fielding said he was confident of being re-elected because the public liked the idea of a minor party keeping an eye on both the major parties.

“Family First is the only party which is looking out for families when it comes to housing affordability, childcare and making our streets safe again,” Senator Fielding said.

“People care about the rising cost of living and so far we’ve heard nothing about how Gillard or Abbott is going to ease our housing affordability crisis.

“It’s time we took housing affordability seriously with 70 percent of Generation Y of the belief that they are permanently locked out of the housing market.

“I still believe it’s the great Australian dream to own your home and I think we should be doing all that we can to help people buy a house.”

Family First wants the Government to set up an Accessing Super Scheme, like the Canadian Home Buyers’ Plan, which would allow first home buyers to access $15,000 of their superannuation so they can use it for part of a deposit on a house.

“Housing affordability is a real issue for many young families looking to buy their first home and this type of scheme would give them a massive leg up,” Senator Fielding said.

“Owning your own home is still the Australian dream and the Accessing Super Scheme would keep this dream alive for thousands of families.

“We need to take the pressure off young families trying to enter the housing market and this is a good way to do that.

Under Family First’s proposal, first home buyers would be able to withdraw up to $15,000 from their own super fund which would then be paid back over 15 years interest free.

“Instead of just handing out government grants and causing property prices to skyrocket, this scheme lets first home buyers access more of their own money so they can put it to good use,” Senator Fielding said.

“It’s vitally important when people retire that they own their own home because it gives them extra financial security.”