The Port News surveyed readers about the issues they were most concerned about at the upcoming Federal Election on May 18.
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Climate change, jobs and border protection made the top three.
With each issue we have asked a member of the public to ask a question to candidates vying for the seat of Cowper.
Teenager Patrick Rudd asked the question on climate change. See video for his question.
There are eight candidates contesting the seat of Cowper. All were contacted to answer Patrick's question.
Their responses are listed in order of the ballot paper.
Ruth Meads from the Christian Democratic Party has declined all media requests with a spokesperson for the party stating she is an "inactive candidate".
Patrick Conaghan, The Nationals
While Australia accounts for just 1.3 per cent of global emissions, we have made responsible international commitments to reduce our emissions and have demonstrated a strong track record in meeting and beating our targets.
The Liberal National Government has overachieved on our commitment under the Kyoto Protocol, something few countries have done.
We will meet our Paris commitment to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and we will do this while growing the economy, creating jobs, protecting our environment and keeping power prices down.
The Morrison Government has announced a new $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Plan - amongst the largest investment by Australia in emissions reduction.
A new $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund will ensure we meet our 2030 Paris commitments by supporting practical measures such as revegetation of degraded land, reducing waste, savannah burning and improving energy efficiency.
Alexander Stewart, United Australia Party
The UAP has stated (pages 12, 13,104 of books The Last Sentry at the Gate) a balanced view that Climate change "is a serious issue" (not an emergency, not a zero issue), and that it "must have a global solution". Australia "acting alone cannot change the world" but would inflict damage on our economy, because we (page 800) "must align with our key trading partners."
The UAP (page 809) is "committed to continued investment in renewable clean energy"
I am concerned that the Port Mac News website listed an item 'Climate Change', and answers may have combined together both those who are worried about it, and those who are upset it is exaggerated.
My 436 survey results of Cowper voters split up the Climate Change answers into those who think it is an emergency (12%), and those who think it is an exaggerated 'beat-up' (8%).
The UAP will participate in reasoned public and Parliamentary debates on this serious issue.
Andrew Woodward, Labor
Labor is leading the way on action on climate change. If we are elected this Saturday, we will have implemented one of the most ambitious climate change action action plans in the world.
We understand climate change is the biggest medium to long term environmental, social and economic issue facing this country. And we want to act on it now so the impacts on ours and future generations are reduced.
Under Labor, we will:
Ensure Australia is net zero carbon by mid-century, achieve 45 per cent emission reductions by 2030, achieve 30 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030, provide incentives for the rapid adoption of renewable energy, halt wanton land clearing, assist communities, industries and regions transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable long term future, protect threatened species of flora and fauna, Rewrite Australia's environmental laws and establish a national Environment Protection Authority.
We have a big agenda for action on climate change and the environment.
Rob Oakeshott, Independent
I know Patch from surf club and am proud of his leadership. I am a long-term supporter of the many job opportunities that exist under the general banner of "climate change policy". As a country, we have always supported new industry policy in the past, and we've always been great innovators, so this is just the next challenge on how we use our brains to build a better place.
By embedding a more certain climate change response into the way we do business, our region can build more jobs.
I particularly recommend Paul Hawken's "Project Drawdown" as an instruction manual for our region on where to invest in better climate change policy. We already see many creative job opportunities emerging, such as what happened last weekend with waste management at the Marina Markets, or the weekend before with the Australian Ironman.
If our region embraces the topic in a sensible, certain, and strategic way, there will be job opportunities, and we'll live in a better place.
Lauren Edwards, The Greens
Out of all the candidates running for the seat of Cowper in this Federal Climate Election of 2019, the Greens are the only ones truly listening to the science and respecting the recommendations that come from such important climate research results.
That's why our plan for Australia is important for a number of reasons: 1. To reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, 2. Achieve emissions reductions of 60 to 80 percent by 2030 and 3. Get to net zero by 2040.
In contrast, Labor aims for only 50 percent renewable energy and an emissions reduction target of 45 percent while the Coalition aims for a mere 26-28 percent in reductions in emissions while continuing to undermine Australia's renewable energy sector more broadly.
The Greens plan for a secure renewable energy future shows that we are the only serious and responsible choice to lead Australia in transitioning to a new clean strong energy sector and economy.
Kellie Pearce, Animal Justice Party
Patrick we agree that the climate is rapidly changing. It isn't only getting warmer but less predictable. This is nothing short of a global emergency requiring immediate and substantial action. We must slow, stop and reverse the negative changes to the climate before 'tipping points' kick in to accelerate and take the process beyond our control.
The Animal Justice Party is concerned about the impact of climate change on both humans and animals. A world that becomes 2-4 degrees warmer, or more, will kill billions of individual animals, and could eliminate a substantial proportion of existing animal species.
It is an AJP priority that urgent action be taken to address global climate destabilisation and reduce carbon emissions.
AJP supports a carbon tax to divert funds into clean energy solutions. We also support stopping further fossil fuel exploration and we will fight to protect existing forests and marine habitats from further destruction.
Allan Green, Independent
I agree totally. I am committed to alternative energy and have come up with snowy schemes up and down the east coast. My views are not set in concrete but if you have a better idea, let me know. The problem is a global one. I will be lobbying all governments world wide to implement alternative energy producers.