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MY PERSONAL POSITIONS ON POLITICAL ISSUES

Aug 25, 2024

2 min read

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It is unfortunate that Lord Mayor Nelmes used petty mudslinging attacks this week aiming to discredit me. The Lord Mayor made comments about my age and compared me to US Presidents Trump and Biden.

She has also tried to paint me as wealthy and conservative and In the last few days I have been asked my views on a variety of issues that are of great importance in world affairs. I am aware that there have been claims on social media and rumour spreading about my opinions on these matters that are entirely untrue.

I do not wish discussion for these issues to be a distraction from the important matters of Local Government.

I also believe that there is room for a variety of opinions and perspectives on Local Councils. We live in a democracy and these positions should be respectfully debated.

Therefore to be clear….

• I am a doctor and a scientist. The science supporting human-induced climate change is clear. The world needs to move away from fossil-fuel consumption. This requires a planned and socially just transition both nationally and internationally.

• I think the rapid advances and reducing cost of renewable energy technology mean there is no need for nuclear power in Australia.

• I support Newcastle Council’s long-standing ‘non Nuclear City’ Policy.

• I am a strong supporter of Gun control.

• I am proud of Australia’s achievements during the Covid pandemic. I support vaccination.

• I think all Council financial assets should be invested ethically (as this term is understood in the superannuation industry).

• I broadly support a ‘two-state solution’ in Israel/Palestine.

• I am in favour of Australia’s current practices with regard to reproductive rights.

• I believe in religious freedom - A person’s faith is a private matter for them alone and is to be respected.

• There is no place for discrimination, intolerance or insensitivity with regard to race, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, politics, faith or any other similar concerns.

• All people make occasional comments or take inadvertent actions that may be interpreted to cause offence. These occasions should not be weaponised against the person, but should be dealt with by tolerance, explanation and apologies as appropriate.

• Interpersonal respect and tolerance is the basis for our society and always should be.

Now that these matters are addressed, I hope that the malicious rumour spreading from certain actors can cease and we can have healthy and open debate about the future of our city and the direction we want to head in.

All political beliefs should be respected and debated with respect. These are the foundations upon which our democracy is based.

Aug 25, 2024

2 min read

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country, the Awabakal and Worimi people, and recognise the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

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