Local Greens candidate Chris Kearney has kicked off his campaign for Jagajaga by asking the residents of West Heidelberg if they’re concerned about the local affects of the compulsory income management legislation introduced by Jenny Macklin.
Mr Kearney, who has lived and raised a family in Macleod for the last 32 years, says that the scheme would extend income management across the Northern Territory then, potentially, to disadvantaged areas around the country.
“It’s down to the Minister’s discretion where and for whom this legislation applies - I’d like to ask Ms Macklin to tell the residents of Jagajaga whether it will apply here and if not, what’s to stop her and any future Minister from restricting the rights of welfare recipients to decide how they spend their social security payments.”
“Up to 70% of their income could be controlled, with restrictions on the items they can purchase or the shops they can buy them from, leading to further strains on local businesses excluded from the scheme and forcing income support recipients to shop at larger retail chains - even though this may be more expensive and less convenient.”
Mr Kearney holds Degrees in Science and Education, along with Graduate Diplomas in Education and Computing, and seeks to bring his integrity, qualifications and breadth of experience to represent the electors of Jagajaga.
“The electors of Jagajaga need the opportunity to let the Federal Parliament know that principled and effective action has to be taken on the challenges facing Australia,’ said Chris.
“The Australian Greens stand for equitable provision of basic services, with particular attention to housing, health and education, through a simplified universal guaranteed adequate income (GAI) scheme.”
‘Community members in Jagajaga should know that the Greens will support disadvantaged individuals and communities through specific public and community development, housing, health, education and public transport programs.”
Chris will be door knocking in the Olympic Village and throughout West Heidelberg on Wednesday morning.
Media contact John Vidovich 0402073252.