Over the coming weeks the Mail will be running profiles on the people running for the seat of Forrest in the upcoming election. A link to the profiles will be provided below.
Independent candidate Alexander Marsden has completed two Masters Degrees at UWA, studying a wide range of areas including public sector management, economics, human resource and capital management, law, international relations and international political economy.
Mr Marsden wrote the rationale (memorandum) for the WA School Education Act 1999 and has worked with people with developmental disabilities.
He has lectured at the South West campus of Edith Cowan University in Bunbury concerning the provision of educational services and education restructuring for students with disabilities.
Mr Marsden's ancestors moved to Forrest and continue to live in the region. He originally moved to Forrest in the early 1990s where he was loosely based while often working state-wide.
He is committed to assisting local government and state government initiatives to make Forrest a great place to live and work.
How will your policies benefit the Forrest electorate?
At the heart of my policies is the creation of caring communities. The centre piece of my campaign is to introduce a Private Members Bill, "The Life Plan Centres Bill".
Life Plan Centres would provide counselling services by specialist teams to anyone who wishes to have a practical plan for their future.
'The Life Plan Centres' would replace the Centrelink system with a service administered with care, respect, and dignity for every client.
My goal is for every person in Forrest who wants to work to have a job and every person who wants to own a home to have a home.
My economic policies are designed to create employment by enabling Australians to invest in high tech start-ups, tourism start-ups in Forrest and Australian manufacturing and industry.
I would also promote supporting local businesses as a means of generating local jobs - now and in the future.
In summary, my goal is to create a Forrest with caring communities and high quality of life for all families and provide opportunities for our children here in Forrest.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see up and running in Forrest?
Tourism is the growth industry in Forrest, and we require the infrastructure to develop and maintain new and diverse tourist attractions suitable for families, youth, cultural tourism, and environmental tourism.
However, it is essential we invest in promoting the region to attract more visitors.
Consistent with my plan to create more opportunities in high-tech and manufacturing we will need new technology and manufacturing infrastructure including a high-tech park and manufacturing park.
I also plan to develop the infrastructure necessary to design and build electric powered cars in Forrest.
What are the issues affecting people in Forrest?
Job security, home security, the environment, opportunities for our children, out of pocket and health and dental expenses for people on low incomes.
How would you address these issues in the House of Reps?
Introduce the "Life Plan Centres Private Members Bill"
Introduce The $200,000 personal tax threshold. I will campaign for the threshold to be reduced to 25 per cent for income over $200,000 if invested in eligible Australian start-ups and high-tech Industries.
However, the threshold limit would increase to 75 per cent if not invested in eligible Australian start-ups and industries. This will increase jobs.
Call for an inquiry into the most efficient method and effective method to provide free dental care, free health care, free pharmaceuticals and out of pocket costs.
Once the total cost is established the funding alternatives would be examined, and people would then decide.
The reasons behind this are that one administration will be cheaper than multiple administrations, the community does not overuse the system as initially claimed it would.
Doctors remuneration should reflect their work hours and time committed to education, a healthy nation is more productive, and, in the current system many people on low incomes cannot afford to send all their children to the doctor and pay the out of pocket expenses.
Environment - an 'ecosystems' approach to creating a pristine environment. Focus on creating solar energy. Solar energy is clean and unlike many other forms of energy is an infinite source of energy.
I intend promoting the reduction of our environmental footprint.
Anything else?
We need more specialist teachers and teacher aids to ensure every student in Forrest is reaching their maximum potential.
The Bunbury Outer Ring Road will have a significant impact on the Gelorup Community, a community that cares about its local environment and heritage sites.
I support the Gelorup community's recommendation to move the road to a more suitable route. It has become apparent that the consultation process has broken down.
Therefore, If elected I would seek an interlocutory injunction to stop the commencement of the road along its currently planned route, until a path which does not breach environmental and heritage law, and that respects the desired lifestyles of residents is established.
Providing jobs for Australians - work should not be a privilege, it should be a right. I will work to ensure the right to a job for any Australian who wants or needs a job including people with developmental disabilities.
In Australia employment determines your quality of life yet over the past century Governments have failed to achieve and maintain full employment.
Community groups including older workers, people with a disability, new arrivals, Aboriginal youth, tradesman, school leavers and university graduates need jobs.
Entirely there are no jobs for them, some of them will never gain employment again. Action is necessary.
To achieve full employment, there are many strategies and targets required.
1. Underemployed community groups with high levels of unemployment need targeted action. Each group has its characteristics, and a blanket online approach is not enough.
2. We need to create an increasingly vibrant employment sector and develop new and innovative products and technologies. In nature, this would be similar to the spirit of innovation and investment in Silicon Valley.
3. We require incentives for Australian entrepreneurs to invest in Australian start-ups. Australians, especially students, have the technological skills to develop new products and need opportunities to build new business and companies.
4. The Government needs to provide the infrastructure for 'Technology Parks 'where entrepreneurs and innovators can share their skills and assets.
5. Develop better coordination between universities and TAFE and small business.
6. Provide entrepreneur and product development courses at TAFE's and universities.
7. Develop online training modules to assist start-ups.
8. Provide start-up grants.
9. Revive manufacturing in Australia including cars. Australian production needs to focus on quality products to gain a competitive advantage. We need to focus on products that effectively achieve their purpose and last for long periods. The car Industry is one example.
10. The Federal Reserve needs to target full employment with wage growth matching productivity and ensure rates are kept low with wage growth at a minimum of 2 per cent growth and an inflation rate of 2 per cent. A target of real wage growth, adjusted for inflation, should remain at 0.5 to 1 per cent, especially for high-income earners. However, a higher rate of real wage growth for low-income earners is desirable.
11. Support local businesses because local businesses provide local jobs.
12. Minimise online purchases, and buy Australian products wherever possible.
Home-ownership and home security - every Australian who wishes to own a home has a right to home-ownership.
I will work for the right to home security for any Australian who wants to own a home.
I have developed a plan to ensure home-ownership is achievable and will introduce this plan for debate, and to develop an action plan.
The project includes price regulation matching inflation, tax deductions for home buyers, a housing and property price freeze and government guarantor bank loans.
A strong economy - Australia needs to develop diverse innovative and competitive industries.
We need a self-sustaining economy.
We must reduce the adverse effects of international markets by establishing a non-reliant approach to trade, however, this does not mean we should not engage in trade because there are considerable benefits available through comparative advantage.
However, we must not be reliant on trade to establish a high quality of life for all Australians.
We need to protect our nation from shifts and shocks in the International Economy. For example, wages will rise in South East Asia, and prices of goods from international suppliers will increase over time, so we cannot rely on consumption driven by cheap global commodities, in the long term,
Price freeze - I will promote the idea of a price freeze as a remedy to the high cost of living.
Australian prices and the cost of living are increasing disproportionately among different sectors of the economy.
The free market is failing to regulate the rise in prices in a fair manner. Our wage system is failing; internationally our wages are so high that our products are too costly to be competitive in the international market.
People are also finding the price of living a burden. If we freeze prices, we will become increasingly competitive in the global market, and, it will end the escalating trend of inflated price increases.
The price freeze should remain in place until we become more productive as a nation, wage increases must match growth and productivity which can be done by increasing manufacturing and through the development of future technology.
A price freeze would also assist businesses with a reduction in the costs of running businesses.
Finally, a 'price freeze' puts the focus on the purchasing power of your dollar.
There is no point in getting a wage increase of 5 per cent if prices go up by 10 per cent. We must examine the economy through the lens of what we can buy with a dollar rather than how many dollars we have.
Climate change policy "A Pristine Environment" - Climate change in Forrest has had a significantly less impact on Forrest compared to its impact on farms in the Eastern States.
However, it is essential the federal parliament takes climate change seriously. The risks regarding climate change are too significant.
Air quality in Australia is rated third best in the world, yet, per capita, our environmental footprint is among the worst in the world.
International pollution in the troposphere is caused mainly from developing countries and is responsible for much of the climate change we are experiencing.
However, if we are to assist and lead developing countries with their pollution problems we need to provide and implement world best practice if we are to be taken seriously.
Australia needs to promote a mature and ecological systems approach to improving the environment based on accurate scientific information. We also need to improve our day to day habits.
I would also promote the development of accurate information regarding pollution levels in all Australian suburbs.
I would promote the development of "pollution reduction guidelines" based on world best practice and will promote the appointment of a Ministerial Ambassador position to share and research best practice to be disseminated in Australia and globally.
Currently, coal production contributes less than 3 per cent to the regional gross product in the South West, of which 0 per cent is produced in Forrest.
I believe that until coal energy becomes truly clean power through the introduction of clean energy coal technologies, it needs to be phased out as quick as possible.
The sale of coal too dirty coal producing countries will only result in increased pollution in the troposphere, including our troposphere.
Finally, I support the transition to electric vehicles, cars, motorcycles, and scooters.
The car industry - I have developed a plan for the manufacture of Australian made electric cars of the highest quality.
I would promote this plan in the federal parliament and seek further assistance from Australian investors.
Forrest desperately needs projects such as this to employ those losing jobs in the coal industry, and therefore a site near Kemerton should be sought which meets local community expectations and desires concerning environmental impact in the area.
Australia has the natural and human resources to build quality world class cars.
Let us follow the German model of car manufacturing by producing the most exceptional quality cars possible.
While technology has become increasingly automated, there will still be an active market for peripherals and Australian natural and human resources.
The supply of peripherals would be from Australian suppliers making these cars 100 per cent Australian manufactured.
Other innovations planned include cars made for specific driving conditions, upwardly compatible modifications for structural and peripheral components, engine longevity, fuel efficiency, and safety.
These cars would become standard fare for the public sector and private sector because of their durability and ability to adapt to new technologies owner lifestyle changes and long term value.
National security - Australia needs to be self-reliant and not depend on security alliances to ensure full security.
While our security alliances enhance our security, there is no guarantee our alliance partners will have the resources to protect Australia.
Australia must protect Australia.
Inquiry into appropriation - I would call for an investigation concerning government spending in democratic electorates to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of finances, and especially pertaining to marginal constituencies which may consciously or unconsciously receive more considerable funds.
Regional government - I would call for a regional government of constitutional electorates to ensure all government departments are accountable and coordinate with other ministerial departments, state government, the federal government and local councils,
Family Court - a review of child custody and related laws to ensure that both parents have rights to child access and finances, to address inequalities which may lead to social-emotional problems for children and parents.
Regional Office of Accountability - All electorates should possess an office of accountability to ensure both private and public institutions such as government departments, councils, banks, and small business, medium to large companies operates under law.
Technology Park for the South West - Australians have the skills necessary to create innovative technologies for the future.
The model for Technology Park is based on the Silicon Valley model where bright and committed people of all ages, especially the young, work with venture capitalists to build a better world for the future.
The infrastructure needs to be provided by government, where seamless links between entrepreneurs and bright new talent are established.
A technology park in the Bunbury region would develop numerous jobs and opportunities for locals and our youth.
Constitutional change - The Constitution was written more than a century ago in what was a colonial democracy when racism and white Australia Policy was the norm.
It is time the Constitution be rewritten and based on our multicultural way of life as well as economic reforms.
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people need to be recognised as part of our history, and due respect is given to all Australians.
Quality of life - The following suite of measures would ensure all Australians experience a quality life which would be superior to or equal to any other country.
Personal income tax reform - A model of personal tax reform which would maintain and ensure a high quality of life, for life, for all Australians consisting of a reduction in income tax rates for low- and middle-income families.
Increased rates for high-income earners would be used to establish better quality health and dental services for all Australians.
Significant tax concessions would be available to all Australians if they invest their surplus income in Australian start-ups.
Inquiry into a national healthcare system - Rural and urban Australians deserve access to a free, 'whole of health' health system which includes dental services, GP services, specialist services, pharmaceuticals, ambulance services and other out of pocket expenses such as hotel accommodation and transport costs.
The full cost must be determined, and cost savings measures be identified.
Once the entire cost is established a Medicare payment system that is fair for all Australians needs to be determined.
A 1 per cent Medicare levy is not enough to finance the system, and a fair and equitable payment system needs identification.
In summary, health is an essential service in our lives; for our families and friends and fellow Australians, we need the highest quality healthcare system at the best price.
Medicare - in the interim Medicare rates should increase to 2 per cent on income exceeding $100 000 per year.
The funds would be used to cover essential ancillary medical services, improve the availability of low-cost PBS items such as cancer creams and other necessary pharmaceuticals, and services, and provide timely medical attention.
The GST has proven to be an effective method of collecting taxes and reducing tax evasion.
If The GST was increased to 15 per cent on non-essential items government revenue would grow and provide funds for essential programs and security measures.
The increase in revenue needs be used for natural disaster relief, drought relief and a future disaster relief fund, and providing other essential services.
The additional 5 per cent needs to be appropriated by the Federal Government.
A national nutrition program should be introduced to ensure our food has high nutritional value.
A public awareness campaign is required to influence the next generation who have missed the messages of the past, and a compulsory integrated better health program needs to be undertaken in schools.
A national nutrition program would include a reduction in the amount of sugar and salt allowed in processed foods.
People with guns is a continuing concern in Australia and throughout the world. Pro-gun groups cite the need to protect themselves.
To reduce this fear sentences regarding the illegal possession of guns need to be reviewed.
I would call for recreational shooters to use non-lethal weapons and for the use of non-lethal weapons for police and the defence forces, particularly in training and possibly in some forms of combat.
School effectiveness research demonstrates that the three most important factors to improve a child's education are parental involvement, quality instruction which identifies strategies for improvement and student self-image.
Therefore, I would promote greater parental engagement in education including participation in curriculum development.
I would support smaller class sizes, so children gain the individual instruction required to achieve their maximum potential and aspirations.
Smaller class sizes would also enhance teachers' ability to build students self-confidence.
Small business assistance should be available to businesses committed to increasing productivity and hiring more employees.
Support consisting of directs grants, employee subsidies and a reduction in business tax would be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, start-ups would have access to funding through the start-up business tax concession strategy.
I would also promote local business. If local businesses achieve higher productivity, then this will drive the need to employ more staff.
I would promote a two-tier - optional tax strategy.
Central to this strategy is the recognition that tax is a public commodity - we pay taxes so the government can afford to purchase the services that we are unable to provide.
For example, we need roads, but no single person can afford to pay for the roads they use, so we pay taxes to the government to provide us with those roads we use.
In today's society, everyone has a different idea of how much we should be spending on public commodities, such as how much should we invest in developing green technologies.
A two-tier system would enable people to pay optional taxes for the general commodities they cannot provide themselves.
Greens groups may choose to pay an optional tax for green technology development, teachers and parents may pay an optional tax to reduce class sizes and so forth.
As the tier two tax is an optional tax people do not have to pay tax and can choose how much they wish to pay, starting at a minimum of 0.1 per cent of their income.
There is no limit on how much they contribute.
The government would then implement the desired program using the available funds.
If the government does not receive enough to implement the proposed program, the tax would either be returned or retained until the funds required were available to implement the program.
Australians should own and invest in Australian businesses. We should stop selling the future of Australia to foreign investors. Fast money to keep governments in power is no longer viable.
If someone is found to be a genuine refugee, Australia should assist with asylum. I would propose that asylum seekers contact Australian Embassies overseas and if they meet the requirements, be assisted with safe passage to Australia.
Tourism in Forrest is an important growth industry, and we must ensure we have the necessary share of resources to provide infrastructure and assist startup tourist industries.
I would propose Bunbury be promoted as the 'Gateway to the South West.'
International visitors can catch the Australind and enjoy the unique rural countryside from Perth to Bunbury to commence their South West adventure.
Bunbury has over 30 tourist attractions in and close to the historic Bunbury town site. From Bunbury, there are coach services and tourist operators servicing tourist locations in the South West.
With the largest deposit of lithium in the South West and the Kemerton Plant in Forrest, there is an opportunity to make Western Australian produced electric cars close-by to the Kemerton processing plant.
The Bunbury Port would also facilitate exports.
Car manufacturing would provide opportunities for the local development of all car components.
Funds to build a state of the art assembly facility needs to be accessed from Australian investors and government grants.
Finally, lithium is a finite commodity, and we must continue to develop non-finite resources such as wind, hydro and solar energy.
I would also act to ensure the impact of transportation of lithium form Greenbushes to Kemerton on local traffic is minimised and meets community expectations.
Solar, wind and hydro forms of energy are the cleanest forms of energy; uranium has potential risks, coal and gas are contaminating the troposphere.
Moreover, lithium is a rare and finite resource.
Therefore, I would propose that we focus on the infinite resources of solar, wind and hydro and continue to research technologies which use these forms.
Coal is the dirtiest form of energy, and further research is required to make it truly clean.
The phasing out of coal needs to continue until it becomes clean.
Lithium batteries and gas should be back-up forms of energy resource for those periods where other types fail.
In the short term, lithium would be used to power cars, and provide home energy storage.
We need to continue to harness the energy from the sun and invest in further research on solar because of its infinite supply.
There is an element of risk with fracking. Fracking can cause contamination of water and land. It is not a preferred option.
Claiming credits on company taxes is extraordinary practice. People who have invested in these schemes have invested in a .high risk scheme.
The viability of the continued availability of franking credits no longer exists, and these schemes need to end.
Investors who have been duped into this scheme may need to seek compensation from those who sold them their investment.
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