scone.com.auCandidate: Rob Taber
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.
Rob Taber: Independent candidate for the seat of New England.
1. What do you think are the priorities for the people of the Upper Hunter area?
During the last election I was involved in discussions with Scone residents about the bypass. If elected, I will work to have this issue resolved in a timely manner and in a way that will benefit the Scone community.
2. What are you major policies?
Being a true Independent, I do not have policies, only points of view. If elected I will vote the way New England wants me to not on my own views, which is how I believe all our representatives should be voting.
3. Where do you live?
I live close to Armidale on a property with my wife and have so for 29 years and in New England for 65.
4. Would you support funding for an in town rail overpass in Scone?
Definitely, this is something that should have happened a long time ago.
5. Would you change section 44? Why/Why not?
No, in my opinion there is nothing wrong with section 44 of the Constitution, our representatives should have full allegiance to Australia.
6. Do you support coal seam gas development?
No, because of the threat to our water. Australia is one of the driest continents on earth, we need to protect the water we have not threaten it with CSG. We have already seen situations where farmers can light their water on fire because of the gas in it, this can not be allowed to continue.
7. Would you reopen/establish more federal government services in the Upper Hunter area such as the Medicare office?
I would definitely support this, the more government services in regional Australia the better.
8. Would you support mining in the Upper Hunter area?
I support the current mines staying in operation until such time as renewables can meet our baseload power needs and replace the jobs that would be lost. We know more jobs will be available in renewable energy then ever have been with fossil fuels. Climate change is a real threat and needs to be dealt with but it needs to be done in an economically sustainable manner.
9. What would you do to create jobs and growth in the Upper Hunter area?
Considering the Hunter is the center of New South Wales’ electricity grid, it make sense to deploy renewable energy projects in this region. If elected I would discuss this with the community and move forward with their support.
10. Will you support the gay marriage bill? Will you support religious protections? Why/why not?
I don’t see this being relevant as this bill will be voted on before any of the candidates for New England is sworn into parliament.
11. Do you think there should be a renewable energy target? Why/why not?
Yes there should be a RET as it will play a major part in reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy. I would also support the RET being extended to 2030.
12. Do you think the company tax rate should be lowered? Why/why not?
Yes it should be, I say this because it is proven that a lower tax rate will attract more companies to Australia which would in turn promote economic growth for our nation and increase tax revenue which would mean individuals would have to pay less.
13. What do you propose should be done with refugees?
My belief is we should accept the refugees from Manus Island. We started this mess and we need to finish it. New Zealand has offered to take 150 and and we should take the other 450.
14. The majority of federal road funding goes to Sydney, what do you propose to do to get more funding for the New England and where would you spend it?
We need more dual carriageways in the Hunter as it has become a major artery of the state’s road network. This should be combined with a Singleton bypass. Together this would offer a better route for travelers than the Pacific Highway which would boost tourism in our region.
15. What would you do to make housing more affordable?
I would advocate for first home buyers to be allowed to use money in their superannuation funds to purchase the house. However the money would need to be repaid at time of sale. I believe this would make housing more accessible to young people.
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