Federal Election Coverage
The Richmond Candidates
Meet the Page Candidates
There are 12 candidates standing in the federal seat of Page, which includes Ballina for the first time in this election - along with Lismore, Casino and Kyogle. The Echo asked each candidate to contribute a 250 word profile. They appear here in their order on Saturday's ballot paper.
 Kathryn Pollard O'Hara, Independent
Forget political parties. They take country Australians for granted.
After nearly 20 years in Parliament the sitting National Party MP for Page has run out of puff.
The Sydney-centric Labor Party people have lost the plot. The ALP candidate doesn't even live in the Page electorate.
I have been the only candidate constantly speaking out about important political issues since the last election. .
I think everyone of us has a right to have our voices heard. I question the motives of media people who shun people like me since I announced my candidacy. What's in for them? What do they fear? The truth?
If I was a party stooge or potential pawn I would have been given better press.
Country people need to smarten up. Political parties and their media minders spawn incompetence and corruption.
There is a crying out need for new people in Parliament, people with new ideas and the courage to tackle the tough issues before they fly up in our faces.
I was raised on a farm near Lismore. I have been married for 18 years. My husband and I have a small business in Lismore. Our two daughters attend Lismore High School. I am a qualified and experienced teacher. I am qualifications and work experience in business, real estate and advertising. I achieved a double major in Psychology at the St Lucia campus of Queensland University.
If elected to Parliament I will support legislation according to the wishes of the people in the Page electorate. I am sure I would add to parliamentary debate on preventative strategies to combat social problems spiraling out of control.
I would feel privileged to represent the people in this electorate.
I would stand up for rural and regional Australians.
Please vote me Number 1 on November 10 and order the 11 other candidates as you wish.
 Tom Cooper, Independent
I am proud to say 12 months ago I led the fight to save the Dairy Industry in the Northern Rivers and with the community's help, we did save 600 jobs directly and a $30 million industry which government policy nearly destroyed. Once again on behalf of the cows, farmers, Norco and staff, to you the public I say thank you.
Over the past 12 months I have started to ask questions. Why is Labor not for labourers? Why is the Liberal Party not for small business? Why is the National Party not for farmers? Answer: Multi-nationals and big business, who pay millions of dollars as political donations into all the major parties campaign funds. That's why there is no difference in Labor, National or Liberal, and so that's why I am standing as an independent.
The major parties all promise more money for health, education and roads - and so do I! But where will it come from? You! I say NO! I will work towards a levy on the gross turnover of any business operating in Australia that isn't 51% Australian owned. Big business and multi-nationals need to pay their fair share - not you!
Can Tom Cooper, elected as an independent do anything? Yes. I can come out of Canberra and tell you the truth. Party politicians can only tell you what the party tells them.
Independents are never in Opposition. Elected, I will vote Yes to good legislation (eg. Medicare provider numbers for dental health) or No to bad legislation (such as a rise to the GST).
Ùwo weeks after I am sworn into Federal Parliament I will ask via a postal ballot, 'Should we bring our troops home from Afghanistan?' Yes or No. Whichever way, the people of Page decide how I will vote in Parliament.
 Edda Lampis, Socialist Alliance
The coalition between Howard and Beazley on gung-ho support for the US-led war on Afghanistan, and on scapegoating refugees, reflects the no-choice, pro-corporate nature of politics today. Millions of us are facing declining services, transport chaos, low pay, job insecurity, homelessness, racism, sexism and environmental destruction, while the tremendous wealth of Australia is concentrated in the hands of a tiny minority.
The Socialist Alliance stands in total opposition to the profit-first economic rationalist agenda. Instead of a regressive GST, we stand for increased taxation on the corporate rich. Instead of privatisation, we call for a massively expanded public sector to revitalise health-care, education and public transport and to create jobs. We demand justice for indigenous people, a treaty and an apology and compensation for the stolen generations. We are active campaigners against Howard/Beazley refugee-bashing and demand the ending of deportations, the closure of the detention centres and full citizenship rights for refugees. We stand for full reproductive freedom and affirmative action for women. We demand that Australian troops be immediately withdrawn from the war on the Afghan people. Socialist Alliance representatives will be grassroots activists for social justice, and will donate their salary above an average worker's wage to the progressive movements.
Another world is possible. By linking the struggles against the system, we can replace the chaos of capitalism with a socialist society based on co-operation, particapatory democracy and ecological sustainability. Take a stand for peace and justice and vote Socialist Alliance.
 Doug Behn, Independent
I was born and raised in Toongabbie, Sydney in 1952, attended Lalor Park primary, then on to Blacktown high. I left school at school certificate level, worked as a labourer at Spurways Industries for 6 months until I got my apprenticeship as a motor mechanic at Booth Haulage in 1968.
I married my wife, Dianne, in 1971. Dianne and I started our first business, at a service station in Seven Hills, Sydney, in 1973, moved to Evans Head in 1976, where we are today. We have 5 children, and are still in business at Behn's Service Centre, Evans Head.
I am currently the president of the Evans Head Chamber of Commerce and have been for the past 20 years.
My policies on banking, motor sports, fuel, health, jobs, sell off are on my website at www.behn.com.au
Tell your friends tell your family, I need the human grapevine to help me win.
I do not have the money the major parties have to advertise. Both Liberal and Labor have sold Australia. All the parties stink.
Independents and One Nation now attract 10% of the national vote. Few politicians hold their seat by a margin of 10%. By directing preference against the sitting member we can kick him/her out every election. No politician could stay longer than three years. If we do this, they might get the message that we are not happy with the way they are running our country.
 Allan Jefferys, Australian Democrats
I believe that the major issues in Page are unemployment education and national competition policy. I believe that the major parties have lost touch with the people. Many policies pushed onto the Australian people with promises of benefits for all Australians have in fact created financial hardship unemployment and company failures to numerous to count.
A person who becomes unemployed goes from being a taxpayer into a welfare recipient, which in turn reduces the money available for health education and all the other Government responsibilities. The high level of unemployment can be directly attributed to policies adopted by both the major parties.
The partial privatisation of Telstra has already cost many thousands of jobs; if the rest of Telstra is sold many more people will lose their jobs. Deregulating the financial system has led to banks posting large profits, whilst increasing fees closing branches and sacking staff.
National Competition Policy has seen many a farmer ruined, for no logical reason, which is why the Democrats would abolish the National Competition Council. Australia does need change but it needs to come from the top, politics and political parties are the ones really in need of reform. Whilst the rest of Australia fights to survive in the 21st century our leaders live in a world more reminiscent of the 19th century.
The Australian Democrats believe that there is a better way for Australia with reforms starting at the top; reforms that promote open honest Government for the benefit of all.
Vote for change. Vote Democrat.
 Judy Canales, HEMP Party
Re-Legalise Cannabis! I aim to solve Australia's social, economic, and environmental problems with Cannabis Legalisation.
End Prohibition and convert the world's second largest industry (illicit drugs).
A million new jobs would be created with Hemployment - community controlled regulation, multi-billion dollar production and green tax.
Save our farms with The world's largest natural renewable resource industry. Perfect companion to sugar cane, Cannabis is low-cost, high yield, producing explosives, cars, fuel, houses, medicines and foods without irradiation or GM, providing a vital boost to rural economies.
The $18 billion annually wasted on Prohibition can be redirected to public health, education, and community services, a proven way to solve the drug problem.
•Allow Freedom of Religion, Civil Rights, Equality, Non Prejudice and Social Justice.
I am an organic farmer, author, charity & community worker, and I listen. A multi-faceted activist, I've lobbied for Hemployment as a Global Solution. At 52, my two grandchildren's future is of my utmost concern! So when you elect me to hear you, I will Stop the war with peace and hemployment!
 Arthur Felsch, Christian Democrats
Born and educated at Ballina, I have been actively involved in the sugar industry since I left school - as an elected member of the Richmond River Canegrowers Executive, leading up to the establishment of the NSW Sugar Miling Co-op, as founding director in 1978, until I retired 18 years later. For several years I was Deputy Chairman of the Board, including the time of deregulation and expansion when the Harwood refinery was built.
I served three terms as Shire Councillor on the Tintenbar Shire (until amalgamation with Ballina). I was elected Chairman of the Summerland Tourist Authority Committee for three terms and Chairman of the Richmond Tweed Development committee for two years. I was also a member of the Richmond River County Council (flood mitigation) for six years.
I have pursued other business interests, as Life Insurance Inspector and a Licensed Motor Dealer and operated Tractor and Agricultural Machinery outlets at Ballina, Maclean and Casino.
An accredited Methodist (later Uniting) Lay Preacher for over 45 years.
I support the view of the Christian Democratic Party 'that principals set out in the Bible present a secure framework for the wise government of our nation. The Holy Bible is the Creator's Manual for the governing of God's Nation'.
I believe it is imperative for legislators to encourage the maintenance of Christian Moral and Ethical standards to ensure the survival of Western Civilisation in a form that delivers personal freedom, security and quality of life for the people of Australia.
 Terry Flanagan, Country Labor
My family and I have lived locally for the past 20 years.
The issues I am most concerned about are jobs, education and health. I have seen three of my six children forced to leave the North Coast because of the lack of job opportunities in the area.
Jobs will be my highest priority if elected. The North Coast has an unemployment rate double the national average- it's just not good enough.
A Labor Government will make the North Coast an Enterprise Zone, giving local councils and businesses access to $50 million over four years directly for job creation.
Labor has committed $5 million for the Lismore flood levee to protect local businesses from the significant flood damage they have experienced over the years.
We know small business is being choked with red tape under the Howard Government's GST. Labor will make it fairer and simpler for small business.
The Federal Government has stripped $60 million from public education and $800 million from public health.We have been forgotten by the National Party.
Our schools and hospitals are missing out on vital funding. Labor has made an iron clad commitment to restore funding to education and health.
Labor will put teachers back into the classroom, more money into our local university and re-equip our emergency rooms and hospitals.
'We have committed $6 million to providing Lismore with a clinical school to attract more doctors to the North Coast.
I will continue to fight to make sure that Page gets its fair share.
 John Corkill, Greens
The people of Page need an enthusiastic, articulate advocate for community priorities.
You deserve someone who will work hard on your behalf, who can quickly get across a brief and can think on his feet, a Member who can speak directly and honestly with passion and conviction in Parliament and in the media. You're entitled to a representative with principles, experience and integrity; who understands the issues and the electorate and who will speak out against the populism of the major parties or to expose unfairness or incompetence in Government policy or practice.
I am that person.
I will pursue the issues that concern you. I am committed to finding additional money for this region's health services and for our public and non-government schools, local TAFE campuses and Southern Cross Uni.
I will seek local, state and federal government co-operation in encouraging new jobs and economic development in the region that do not compromise our natural environment.
See all my policies at - www.page.greens.org.au.
I will oppose the bombing of Afghanistan and urge a compassionate and humanitarian approach to refugees and asylum seekers. From Parliament's cross-benches I will be a powerful voice of conscience and reason on your behalf.
I undertake to regularly meet with community leaders and with ordinary people, to report back, to consult, listen and explain.
Let's make history together. Elect me as the first Greens Member of the House of Representatives and we will put the seat of Page back in the political spotlight.
 Ian Causley, National Party
As well as working on important things like paying back Labor's debt, keeping home loan interest rates down and delivering a fairer tax system with tax cuts for families, I have fought for increased benefits and services.
I have delivered $1 million for the Fast Freeze powder milk plant in Casino, $1.1 million for Norco's ice cream factory, $1 million for Permo Drive Technologies and $538,000 for Cellulose Valley.
The National Party fought long and hard for more money for local rural roads and better telecommunications. I am proud to say we achieved both: $1.2 billion for roads, with $15,605,664 being spent locally.
A massive $28.5 billion has been spent on regional programs over the past five years. The Coalition has removed $26 million from meat inspection fees and introduced a large package for the dairy industry.
The Coalition is the first government ever to invest seriously in the environment and the Northern Rivers has benefited to the tune of some $7 million. Funding on health and education has increased, with the Northern Rivers receiving an estimated $160 million for health and aged programs since 1996 and more than $130 million for schools, higher education, TAFE colleges, vocational education and training and literacy and numeracy programs.
Interest rates have been slashed from around 20 per cent to six per cent. Unemployment on the North Coast has dropped from 17 per cent to just over eight per cent.
The Coalition has been a government prepared to make the hard decisions - no better example is the defence of our borders.
 Angela Griffiths, Citizens Electoral Council
I am a mother of four young children, and my husband and I run an organic egg farm.
I am standing as a candidate to promote the ideas of the Citizens Electoral Council, and US physical economist Lyndon LaRouche, to rescue Australia from the onrushing economic depression. Despite the hysterical propaganda, and the massive hyper-inflationary printing of money, to hide the reality of the crisis, people all over the world are now waking up to the reality that the war in Afghanistan, against the scapegoat bin Laden, shows desperate political forces would rather drive civilization itself to the brink, than tolerate the changes in financial institutions which the present crisis demands, and for which many nations are now calling.
The desperately needed change is LaRouche's New Bretton Woods international monetary system of tariff protection, fixed exchange rates, and government support for agriculture and industry, which has been endorsed by leading experts around the world. It is a direct threat to the bankrupt, genocidal IMF globalisation system, and the financial oligarchs who profit handsomely from it.
The CEC has warned of this economic crisis for 12 years; we provide the only leadership out of this mess. Our fighting platform will secure the General Welfare of all Australians, through the expansion of Federal and State 'soft' infrastructure in health and education, and 'hard' transport, power and water infrastructure. Our new book, 'What Australia Must Do to Survive the Depression', situates this crisis in the context of history, and details our recovery blueprint.
 Marie Mathew, Pauline Hanson's One Nation
Marie Mathew, age 54, married with two children and four grandchildren.
Born in Grafton and raised on a dairy produce farm at Woodford Dale, which is now a sugar cane farm is now a sugar cane farm operated by my brother.
I have worked in the hospitality industry, hospitals and nursing homes and now operate my own small business at Grafton Beauty Therapy.
Small businesses with under 10 employed need incentives to grow. The health care system for the elderly is deplorable. Dentist waiting lists are far too long and this must be rectified immediately.
Education funding is a must. You cannot cut corners depriving children of the basic tools needed to cope in the demands of society today.
Rural Farming. The right to farm your own land whether it be dairy, beef, cattle, cane or timber. It is your land and in today's world the to use it in a sustainable manner is at your fingertips, and if it's not then something is terribly wrong. Draft Vegetation Act? Did you have your say? I believe you have not. Then and only then when you and without political intervention should it be in place.
Our own Australian bank and insurance, low cost loans to rural landholders and insurance that does not cost the earth due to the collapse of foreign owned companies, this will allow our community organisations to get on with their wonderful work.
Where to Vote in Page
The following polling booths in the Page electorate will be open from 8am to 6pm this Saturday:
Ballina High School, Southern Cross School K-12, Ballina Hospital.
Emmanuel Anglican College, Baryulgil Public School, Bentley Hall.
Bexhill Hall, Bonalbo Central School, Broadwater - Riley's Hill Community Centre, Caniaba Public School, Casino Civic Hall, Casino High School, Casino Hospital, Casino Drill Hall, Casino West Public School.
Cawongla Pre-school, Chatsworth Island Public School, Clovas-McKees Hill Hall, Clunes Public School, Copmanhurst Public School, Coraki Public School, Corndale Public School, Coutts Crossing Community Hall, Cowper Public School, Dundurrabin Public School, Dunoon Public School, Eltham Public School, Empire Vale Public School, Evans River K-12 School, Fairy Hill Hall, Gillwing Public School, Goolmangar Hall, Goonellabah Community Centre, Goonellabah Public School, Grafton High School, Salvation Army Hall - Grafton, Grafton Hospital, Clarence Village Community Room, St Stephen Presbyterian Hall, Grevillia Hall.
South Gundurimba Hall, Harwood Island Public School, Horseshoe Creek Hall, Iluka Community Hall, Jiggi Public School, Junction Hill S.E.S Building, Kyogle Masonic Hall, Kyogle Hospital, Lawrence Public School, Leeville Public School, Lismore Presbyterian Church Hall, Trinity Catholic College, Lismore High School, Lismore Heights Public School, Lismore Base Hospital, Richmond River High School, St Vincent's Hospital, South Lismore Public School, Maclean Civic Hall, Mallanganee Hall, Meerschaum Vale Hall, Modanville Public School, Nimbin Central School, Nymboida Public School, Pimlico Hall, Lismore Public School
Rappville Public School, Rosebank Public School, Southgate Community Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Tabulam Public School, The Channon Hall, Tregeagle Public School, South Grafton Public School Hall, Wardell Memorial Hall, Waterview Heights Bush Fire Brigade Building, Grafton Scout Hall, Whiporie Hall, Wiangaree Hall, Woodburn CWA Rooms, Woodenbong Central School, Wombah Bushfire Brigade Station, Wyrallah Public School.
Pre-poll Voting
If you're going to be unable to vote this Saturday, then have your say by posting a pre-poll vote today or Friday.
Australian Electoral Commission employees will be on hand to take your vote at pre-polling booths at 149 Keen Street, Lismore; 39 River Street Ballina; and Casino High School.
The pre-polling offices will be open from 9am until 5pm today and Friday. You can attend a pre-polling office outside your electorate.
Alternately mobile polling can be arranged before or on election day for people in hospitals, nursing homes or for residents of remote areas by contacting the AEC on 13 23 26 or visit www.aec.gov.au
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