Candidate: Jeff Madden

scone.com.au has sent each of the 17 candidates in the upcoming by-election for the seat of New England a series of questions and we will publish their responses so you can compare each candidate. As each candidate responds we will publish their answers. You can click on 2017 New England By-Election to read more about each candidate.

 

1. What do you think are the priorities for the people of the Upper Hunter area?

If elected, I would conduct a series of public meetings to obtain an overview of the electorates issues then attempt to tackle as many as humanly possible.

 

2. What are you major policies?

I have a list of issues on my website: www.jeffreymadden.com.au  which I am passionate about, however if elected it is my job to listen to everyone and follow the wishes of the electorate as a whole.

 

3. Where do you live?

I live at Upper Horton. Local to the electorate.

 

4. Would you support funding for an in town rail overpass in Scone?

Yes I would. I have travelled that road many a time in a truck for my work. Sometimes deadlines are tight and waits such as those make the job harder. Not to mention relieving traffic congestion, and improved safety.

 

5. Would you change section 44? Why/Why not?

No. Its our constitution. They got that part 100% correct.

 

6. Would you support a bill for voluntary euthanasia?

Yes I would. We put our sick pets to sleep to relieve their suffering. Our terminally ill family should get the same opportunity should they choose.

 

7. Do you support coal seam gas development?

Tbh I have no position at this time on CSG. I’m still researching. Would like to hear the people’s view.

 

8. Would you reopen/establish more federal government services in the Upper Hunter area such as the Medicare office?

I would support opening new offices/expanding existing offices for government services if there is a genuine need demonstrated.

 

9. Would you support mining in the Upper Hunter area?

Depends… Where is the profits going? What are the environmental impacts? Job creation vs housing cost. There is so much information in the detail, each and every application needs to be considered with all info.

 

10. What would you do to create jobs and growth in the Upper Hunter area?

I believe we need to encourage manufacturing back to the country from overseas and valueadd our products locally.

 

11. Will you support the gay marriage bill?

I have no objections to a bill such as this  providing it only deal with marriage act. Other issues need to be investigated separately.

 

12. Will you support religious protections? Why/why not?

Yes. People have a right to their own beliefs and should not be forced by law to be compelled to marry. We have private celebrants that could officiate a ceremony. This along with all issues I would seek clarification from the electorate.

 

13. Do you think there should be a renewable energy target? Why/why not?

Yes, because we should always strive to leave this planet in a better shape and reduce our footprint BUT it has to be realistic!

 

14. Do you think the company tax rate should be lowered? Why/why not?

Depends on size of business and profitability. Big businesses need to pay their share

 

15. What do you propose should be done with refugees?

Genuine refugees need to be assisted in any way possible to resettle in a safe part of the world.

The majority of federal road funding goes to Sydney, what do you proposed to do to get more funding for the New England and where would you spend it?

 

16. What would you do to make housing more affordable?

This would take some considerable research to get right, but from outward appearances it would appear that further limiting foreign ownership could be an option.

I must say I’m prepared to listen to everyone. I am not fixed on any issue. I’m happy to be shown “a better way!”