Alternative candidates share views
By Tyrion Perkins
CANBERRA — Candidates of the Greens, Democrats, Green Democratic Alliance and Democratic Socialists came together here on February 23 to discuss their approach to unemployment, the environment and social change. The meeting was held under the auspices of Green Left Weekly.
Greg Adamson, running for the Green Democratic Alliance, told the meeting, "The major parties are treating the environment as a bargaining chip. The Green Democratic Alliance believes that the environment and social justice should not be negotiated away."
Kerry Tucker, Senate candidate for the Greens in the ACT, explained that the Greens' policies flow from the principle of ecological sustainability and social justice. She saw the Greens as part of a movement, not just having an electoral focus.
She also pointed to the need for alternative parties to work together in response to the media ignoring all but the Labor and Coalition parties.
Democrat candidate Greg Cramer told the forum that it was up to the alternate parties to keep the environment as a major issue. "Labor has failed 63 of 93 promises it made on the environment."
His platform included increasing employment by rejuvenating farm land, and keeping petrol prices high in order to encourage other fuels.
Sue Bolton, Democratic Socialist candidate for Fraser, described international environmental destruction and food shortages resulting from the present political system.
She pointed out the similarity between Labor and Liberals. Real changed depended on building an alternative movement, Bolton said, not just winning parliamentary seats. She called on all groups left of Labor to form an alliance.
This sentiment was reflected in discussion, which focused on the need for these parties to increase communication and cooperation.