Election 2008 Dunedin North and Dunedin South candidates respond to your questions.
AS part of The Star 's Election '08 coverage we offered all candidates standing in the Dunedin South and Dunedin North electorates the opportunity to answer some written questions compiled by The Star readers and The Star and Otago Chamber of Commerce staff. Candidates' answers were limited to 100 words per question in this week's The Star and were edited where necessary. Their extended answers are shown here.
THE QUESTIONS
1. Rail What are the chances of restoring a commuter rail service between Mosgiel and Dunedin during the next electoral term, and what is your medium/long-term vision for commuter/passenger rail services through Dunedin and the South? (Brighton resident Lorraine Johnston)
2. Taxation Will your party repeal taxation on unearned capital gain on foreign income that is in Taxation (Business Taxation and Remedial Matters) Act 2007, section 11, Foreign Investment Fund Income. (John Horrocks, Mornington)
3. Crime How would you address the escalation in violent crime, including domestic violence, in this country? (Business and Professional Women's group Dunedin/The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
4. Power What energy policies would you champion and what would you do to help Dunedin in terms of its old, cold homes? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
5. Health What is your opinion of population-based funding and what changes, if any, would you make to the current health system? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
6. Stadium Do you support the proposed Awatea St stadium? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
THE ANSWERS
1. Rail
I want to see rail take off in New Zealand. I want us to build upon our already skilled and competitive and envied railway workforce at Hillside. I'm passionate about rail. For economic reasons, for environmental reasons and for reasons of good sense. It's a fast, efficient, economic and carbon-friendly way to get places. There is a groundswell of local support to make rail a central part of our freight and passenger transport systems for the future. A public meeting in Mosgiel on October 28 at the Station Restaurant will test local support for a commuter service. I urge people to turn up and have their say on this important issue.
2. Taxation
No.
3. Crime
Police crime statistics show that overall, crime has been reducing for some years, but the figures for violent crime are rising. This is of great concern, but much of that increase is due to more reports of family violence. The Labour Government's "It's Not OK'' campaign to bring family violence into the open is starting to change community attitudes. I believe a good law and order policy must always be about balance between being tough on crime, while addressing the underlying causes of crime. As a result, more people are staying in prison for longer and our police are catching more criminals, due to the 28 per cent increase in police numbers. I'm most proud of Labour's commitment to high-quality restorative justice which aims to address the social issues underlying crime and to make sure prisoners don't re-offend.
4. Power
I want the cold and damp houses of Dunedin to be insulated and properly heated and for rents to be affordable to people on fixed incomes. People who work hard should be able to afford to buy their own home. Labour's bold policies are absolutely geared for this. They include 90 per cent of energy
to be produced from renewable resources by 2025; the world's most comprehensive Emissions Trading Scheme; funding for energy efficient, healthy homes and workplaces; encouraging planting of new forests; funding for research and leadership by committing 34 public service departments to carbon neutrality by 2012. Transitional support is available for households through the recently announced Labour policy for rebates or cash payments to help meet additional electricity costs. If elected as the MP for Dunedin South I will do all I can to ensure that retrofitting of all Dunedin's housing gathers momentum.
5. Health
I think population-based funding is the best model we have at this time. Labour is committed to a public health system that people can trust, one that is there for them regardless of their ability to pay. That's why we invested in cheaper doctors' visits and medicines, as well as increasing public hospital capacity. Labour will keep primary healthcare subsidies universal, so that everyone is able to get cheaper doctors visits and cheaper prescription medicines. Labour will continue investing in more frontline staff, building on the 4000 additional nurses and 1000 additional doctors since 1999. We will continue to maintain and improve hospital buildings and campuses to better cope with high demand in the public health system.
6. Stadium
I believe the stadium will proceed if it is ultimately judged to be the best decision for Dunedin and the surrounding region at this time. I trust our city leaders to make the right decision that takes into account economic and social concerns. But whether or not the new stadium proceeds in North Dunedin, it is important that the people of South Dunedin and Caversham have their say about what will happen to Carisbrook and the surrounding community.