Questionnaire responses from candidates - Tas State Elections 2010

logo RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS PUT TO CANDIDATES IN THE 2010 TASMANIAN STATE ELECTION

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*Question 1*	Do you support the construction of a canal housing estate inside Ralphs Bay? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings	“I support the current Project of State Significance process that has been set up to consider this project. As we all know the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) has released a draft integrated assessment report on the proposed project. I would not want to pre-empt the final report of the TPC.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“No. The very concept is abhorrent.”
David O'Byrne (Labor)	"The Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) has released a draft integrated assessment report on the proposed project. I would not want to pre-empt the final report of the TPC. I believe in an independent and transparent planning process."
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	"While we had a number of concerns about the Ralph's Bay development, the proper place for those to be considered is through the approval process. We support proper process being followed by both the developer and opponents to the development to be heard before the Tasmanian Planning Commission." Click here to read Will Hodgman's overall response to the questionnaire.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“No.” “On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens candidates contesting the 2010 State Election, I am happy to state unequivocally that the Tasmanian Greens would immediately move to establish a statewide ban on canal estate development in Tasmania.” Further reading: The Greens Coastal Protection Bill 2009 The Greens Coastal Integrity Policy2009 The Greens Submission on Ralphs Bay to the RPDC 2009.pdf
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“No, absolutely not. We support the Save Ralphs Bay campaign and the dedicated work that has gone into submissions and community protest to explain the inappropriateness of this development. The majority of the local community are opposed, threatened species will be put further at risk, and the social and environmental impacts far outweigh the benefits of the development (profits for a few already-wealthy corporate bosses and shareholders).”

*Question 2*	Do you support the construction of canal housing estates anywhere else in Tasmania? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill Daniel Hulme	“I support an examination of the Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009, introduced by the Greens into the Tasmanian Parliament, being considered by the Joint House Committee on the Environment, Resources and Development.” “Again I would not want to pre-empt the work of that the Committee or any recommendations it may produce in the future.”
Lara Giddings (Labor)	“I support an examination of the Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009, introduced by the Greens into the Tasmanian Parliament, being considered by the Joint House Committee on the Environment, Resources and Development.” “I do not want to pre-empt the work of that the Committee or any recommendations it may produce in the future. But certainly I undertake to give due consideration to its recommendations.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“No. cannot conceive of any coastal or estuarine area where it would be appropriate.”
David O'Byrne (Labor)	"Personally I do no like the concept of canal estates, especially given the overwhelming scientific evidence around the impacts of climate change, particularly on our coastal areas. But I do support an independent process that will assess these developments appropriately and thoroughly and that this assessment be conducted by all relevant experts in the field with the ability for the community to have their say under the auspices of the TPC." "I support an examination of the Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009, introduced by the Greens into the Tasmanian Parliament, being considered by the Joint House Committee on the Environment, Resources and Development." "I would not want to pre-empt the work of that the Committee or any recommendations it may produce in the future."
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	"Before Parliament was prorogued, on 18 November, the Liberals moved that the whole matter of canal development be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment, Resources and Development, and we will revive that reference when the new Parliament convenes."
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“No.” See answer to Question 1
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“No”

*Question 3*	Do you support a Tasmanian ban on canal estate developments? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings, David O'Byrne	“See answer to 2 above.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“Yes. See above.”
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Answered in 2 above.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes”

*Question 4*	Do you support the detailed examination of the Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009 by the Joint House Committee on Environment, Resources and Development? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings, David O'Byrne	“Yes”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“I see no problem with a thorough transparent examination as part of the parl't process, but also if both houses were to deem it unnecessary and simply ban canal estates ,that would be fine too.”
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Answered in 2 above.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”. “I am .. proud to draw your attention to our Coastal Integrity: Looking After the Places We Share policy commitment (launched by Greens Leader Nick McKim MP on the 7th of March), which will see a strong and enforceable State Coastal Policy developed and implemented, as well as a dedicated Coastal Protection Unit be established.” The Coastal Protection Bill was initiated by the Tasmanian Greens. Read more ... The Greens Coastal Protection Bill 2009 The Greens Coastal Integrity Policy2009
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes”

*Question 5*	Do you support detailed examination of the reasons behind the canal estate bans in Victoria and New South Wales, by the Joint House Committee on Environment, Resources and Development? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings, David O'Byrne	“Yes”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“Yes. See 4 above.”
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Answered in 2 above.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes”

*Question 6*	Do you support detailed examination by this Joint House Committee of the risks to Tasmania of allowing canal estate developments in this state? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings, David O'Byrne	“Yes”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“Yes. Either exposure of all risks on floor of chambers or through a Committee.”
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Answered in 2 above.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes”

*Question 7*	What circumstances would cause you to NOT support a Tasmanian canal estate ban? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings,	“Again, I would await the recommendation of the Joint House Committee.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“I cannot conceive of any.”
David O'Byrne (Labor)	"Again, I would await the recommendation of the Joint House Committee. Whilst I reiterate that I personally do not like the concept of canal estates it is important that as a representative of all of the community I ensure that things that are as contentious as planning applications be based on a consensus of experts in the field and a full assessment of the needs of the community under the auspices of an independent assessment process."
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Question not addressed.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“The Tasmanian Greens do not support canal estate developments in Tasmania.”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“None that come to mind - we support the ban on canal estates.”

*Question 8*	Do you support additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission, to provide assistance for the Tasmanian community to engage large corporations in the Commission process fairly and on an even playing field? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings	“The Tasmanian Planning Commission Act provides that the Commission is not bound to act in a formal manner and that it is not bound by the rules of evidence (S10 of the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997).” “I am satisfied that the Panel is able to regulate their own proceedings so as to assist the general community in making their views known. I understand that the Commission does provide a pre-hearing information sheet to members of the public appearing at a hearing so that they can familiarise themselves with what they can expect at a hearing.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“Yes. It should not be the responsibility of community groups to take on powerful vested wealthy companies by fund raising. There should be a means like the granting of fiat to take a case to the High court to protect community interests.”
David O'Byrne	"The Tasmanian Planning Commission Act provides that the Commission is not bound to act in a formal manner and that it is not bound by the rules of evidence (S10 of the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997)." " I am satisfied that the Panel is able to regulate their own proceedings so as to assist the general community in making their views known. I understand that the Commission does provide a pre-hearing information sheet to members of the public appearing at a hearing so that they can familiarise themselves with what they can expect at a hearing. Furthermore I would consider supporting a decision that would provide greater assistance to members of the community to ensure balance in any proceedings."
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	"We believe the Tasmanian Planning Commission must receive adequate resources from government to perform its function."
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes, especially if the Save Ralphs Bay group have discovered through experience that this is necessary.”

*Question 9*	Do you support additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission to produce transcripts of TPC hearings, freely available for scrutiny by media and the public on the Commission's website? Please explain.
Labor Party: Kate Churchill, Daniel Hulme, Lara Giddings, David O'Byrne	“To date there have been very few requests for transcripts of proceedings before the TPC. In all such requests to date a copy of the tape and the running sheet has been made available to the interested party.” “Labor would certainly consider the provision of funding for transcripts on a case by case basis if there were reasonable and substantial reasons for a transcript to be provided.”
Ross Butler (Labor)	“Yes. Transparent democracy demands full disclosure of information.”
Will Hodgman and Jacquie Petrusma on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Party	Answered in 8 above.
Cassy O’Connor on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens	“Yes”
Socialist Alliance Party: Jenny Forward	“Yes, this would improve transparency and public accountability.”

Save Ralphs Bay Inc.
www.saveralphsbay.org