Federal Election 2019/Preselection Nominations

This page documents nominations for preselection for the 2019 Federal Election.

A Preselection Meeting was held on September 16th, 2018.

A second Preselection Meeting was held on December 1st 2018, to determine the second candidate on the WA Senate ticket.

Further rounds of preselection may be held if interest builds for campaigns in additional areas.

= Nominations =

Bennelong
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John August
I have run for Bennelong in the past on behalf of the pirate party, and have on the ground experience in election campaigning, with an understanding of pirate party policies and ongoing interest over several years. I would like to get Pirate ideas out there, and being a candidate does this effectively. I am frustrated with how things are discussed in the media, and this is a good way of challenging that. I would also like to contribute to the Pirate cause.

Certainly, in addition, it could be useful to build up my profile both personally and in the community, which is something I would benefit from. However, this is a side benefit, as candicacy is certainly a great investment in time and probably money too. Several years of interest in Pirate policies, being a councillor in the Pirate Party, and standing previously as a candidate. Yes, certainly. I have been a member of the secular party and the abolish state governments party. I am a member of many groups, including the Sydney Outdoor Lighting Improvement Society and the NSW Humanists. I also broadcast on the Roving Spotlight show on community radio 2RSR Marrickvile. [ http://johnaugust.com.au my website ] '' past radio work ( including interviews with pirate party people ) can be accessed at by searching for "Roving Spotlight" on the website '' [ https://soundcloud.com ] }}

Robertson
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Joe Furi
I have lived and worked in Robertson for the past 16 years. I know the area well and I can identify with what the electorate value most. Robertson is a "bellwether" seat, showing that the area has no strong commitment to ether ALP or LIB. party, they tend to vote someone out, rather than in. If the current mood of the Nation sees both major parties as, "On the Nose" we may be able to capitalise on the protest vote, at the same time as making the public aware there are very real alternatives to the Two Party System. Its a tough job, but someone has to do it. I realize I am new to the PPAU, but I have supported the principles stated in the PPAU Policy Statement, since I marched to oust the Gordon Lib. Government in 1972. I believe we have gone full circle, and today we face the same urgent need, to right the ship avoid the reef, and sail into a better future, Yes. I did previously work in the PSA union, the experience was very "enlightening", (the stories I could tell) suffice to say, the Union movement and the ALP alliance, has run its course and no-longer understands the meaning of "Public Service" I have never been a member of any political party, until now.
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New South Wales
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Sara Joyce
For the longest time I've considered running and what's stopped me in the past is seeing how other members of the party were so well versed in politics where i was not. Since that time I've been resolved to learn more and through working in political environments from the NSW Teachers Union to Council to Legal Aid to NSW Parliament and currently again in Council, I've realised that there are many less qualified people who currently make decisions in this country. Coming from the LGBTI community as a Gay Trans Woman and from working in Digital Media and IT in political environments, including working with Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd has given me a unique perspective. I feel strongly about many social issues however the strongest issue in line with the party's primary policies is around Transparency of Government, Transparency of processes, documentation and policies. We've seen far too often, parties not making a clear stance on certain policies and only releasing information during "media blackouts".

I've questioned whether we as a party could do a better job in the marginal seat of Macquarie in NSW. I believe that we as a team can and should contest this seat and to have our voices heard in the next election. If not to win the seat, to win hearts and minds so that our membership grows.

The seat has been traditionally held by the Liberal Party is currently with Labor under Susan Templeman. In the year and a half I've lived in this electorate, I've only seen Susan in the local newspapers once or twice. I hear she does good work but as far as the senate goes I've not seen much. From time to time I've donated funds to the pirate party. I can't recall how much. I've been online in the chat and during annual conference and spoken up about some of the issues i've been passionate about over the years.

I've talked with a lot of people about our party and dispelling the notion that we are a one policy party or a bunch of people who go around saying argh... even tho we do.

I've been politically active since i worked for the Teachers Federation on the Gonski Campaign in Digital Media from 2011 to 2013 fighting for and crafting the message for public schools and TAFE. Which is around the time i joined the Pirate Party. When Tony Abbott elected himself minister for Women i had had enough and launched my own change.org campaign which received 13,048 signatures to get the Prime Minister to appoint a more appropriate Minister for Women.

From there I've worked with the homeless, worked in various other areas of government from an IT perspective. Maintaining my allegiance to the party.

My aim is to simply work with the party to achieve our collective goals and to give our movement a voice in the next federal election. I've only ever been a member of the Pirate Party... when queried by Julia Gillard's staffers before the 2013 election i was asked what party i belong to, I proudly stated i was a member of one of the most progressive parties and they would reply "oh that's the one with the one policy! Copyright!" I corrected them "No!" i said we have many policies on top of that including but not limited to education, transparency of government and if you read our website, maybe the Labor party could pick up some tips!

I am for LGBTI rights and Issues, Equal Women's Right and Issues, putting an end to homelessness, having an Australia Head of state whether that be in the form of a Republic or Republic under the Commonwealth, Indigenous Right and Issues, Transparency of Government, better copyright laws, I am for strong gun control laws even though i was bought up learning to shoot both from family and Army Cadets and am looking to take up the hobby once more.

Recently I've been one of 33 elected members of the steering committee of the Offshore committee in MEAA who have been negotiating with the top six film studios in Hollywood to reach a standard agreement for offshore US productions to come to Australia. After years of work, this agreement is in its final form and will be signed off shortly, providing more stability in the Australian Film Industry. @sezlizjoyce on Twitter. Resume supplied but left off of wiki - Secretariat. }}

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Kate Bowman
Honestly, I feel like there must be people that would be more qualified but I am willing to give it a red-hot go. I recently graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Social Science degree (Sociology major). I was a mature age student and so feel behind the 8-ball, career-wise compared to others my age. I am employed as a Policy Officer for a not-for-profit organisation and my job involves undertaking a lot of social research. I think my research and critical analysis skills would be of benefit in this position. Personally, I have strong feelings on social justice and I believe bringing this passion to the role would make me a good advocate. I am also passionate about people power and see the value in individuals making a difference by volunteering their time for the betterment of their community and society as a whole. I also think that my life experiences give me a unique perspective. I might look like a just 40-something year old mum from the Western suburbs of Sydney but I have come up against adversity throughout my life, either myself or as a close supporter of friends facing difficulties. This has given me insights into challenges faced by people with disabilities, addictions, and mental or physical health problems. Having such insight might be useful to counterbalance the opinions of the many parliamentarians in more privileged positions. I am deeply disappointed with the current government and I think many others are too. I am impressed by the policies and positions espoused by the Pirate Party and think this is a golden opportunity to spread the word about the party, hopefully bringing in new members and giving people a glimmer of hope that things can be different if we try hard enough. I am a fairly new member of the party and so far cannot claim to have made any direct contributions as yet. I would like the opportunity to serve my community by representing the Pirate Party’s interests to a broader audience. Yes. I like the mix of social justice with libertarian values. I have not had any previous affiliations with any other parties. Kate_Bowman on the forums. Resume supplied but left off of wiki - Secretariat. }}

Queensland
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Brandon Selic
I have been a community lawyer for the majority of my carrer, and am therefore experienced in helping people in the community with their issues and advocating for them, which I believe would be useful in representing the people of Queensland in the senate. I've also been involved in party politics since the age of 18 and stood in the 2016 Federal election for the Pirate Party. Like many others, I am angry with the current state of Australian politics, and wish to advocate for change to how our politicians behave in their professional capacity and as to how they represent their constituents. I have been a member of the Pirate Party Australia since it's creation, acting as it's first Legal Officer. I later served as Queensland Coordinator nd have contributed to policy development. I agree with the Pirate Party Platform and its ideals. I was previously a member of the Australian Democrats. }}

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Miles Whiticker
I am an organiser and volunteer with multiple groups so I am familiar with contributing time and effort towards building a better society. My volunteering work has included The Wilderness Society (promotional, communications, design and general volunteering), Annerley Community Bookshop (tech support, inventory, sales), Hackerspace Brisbane (promotional, event management, space maintenance), Anti-Poverty Network Queensland (promotion, event organising, logistics and volunteering) Pax Australia (RPG volunteer and bump out), The Salvation Army (sales and inventory), Social Ecology Brisbane (promotions and organising), Together Union (workplace and community organising), Scouts Queensland (leader of youth), open source multiplayer game Space Station 13 (long time coder and mapper) and student council at high school and university (fund raising, volunteering, events management including spearheading an industry games exhibition in my final year). I want to take the next step in contributing to the party by putting myself forward to run for government. This is a highly visible role which few people are willing to place themselves forward for and is always needed in the party. I have acted as state coordinator for the past 2 years coinciding with my time on the National Council. I have volunteered at three elections in Queensland where we ran candidates and done promotional work for the party for 3 years now. I also network with multiple community, activist and non-profit groups to raise the profile of the party and further our policy goals. I have been active in the party since before I was registered to vote. I have political interests outside the party including social ecology and anarchism but they align fully with Pirate Party Principles. miles_w on the forums. }}

Victoria
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Tania Briese
I have been interested in the political process for some years, and have always taken my right to vote, seriously. While I don’t have any formal political experience, I feel that I have enough life experience, and maturity to take on this role at this time. I have raised a family, lived and worked both in Australia and overseas, and been an active volunteer in the community, and our local schools. I have a particular interest in healthcare, aged care, education and family services/welfare. In my opinion, some of our elected politicians are not making wise choices that benefit their constituents. Rather than continuing to sit back and complain from the sidelines, I feel that I am in a position to try to do something about it, and actually run as a Senate candidate. I am well educated, well travelled, and I like to consider and understand all aspects of issues at hand so I can contribute to making balanced and rational decisions. I have been a member of the Pirate Party for several years, and kept in touch with what has been happening both locally and globally, through the website, forums, and media. I have always been happy to discuss the Pirate Party and its ideals with those around me, but I have not been particularly active within the Party until now, as I felt that others were better versed in the political sphere. As a Pirate Party candidate I will promote the policies of the party, and undertake to represent the Party and the people as best as I can. I have never been a member of any other political party. I joined Pirate Party in March 2015, after reading through the policies of the Party and realising that they resonated closely with my own thoughts. I appreciate that the Pirate Party welcomes open discussion on topics. Resume supplied but left off the wiki - Secretariat }}

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Shannon Smith, Shepparton/Victoria
Shannon is available as a candidate if need be.
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Western Australia
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Clive Myers
I have a genuine interest in politics and from my background have a deep understanding of issues particularly in areas such as copyright and the implications of the digital revolution and social impact that this brings with it. I have a strong interest in and support of a basic universal income scheme and see this as a major requirement for the future growth of our nation. I have worked in private industry for many year in both technical and management roles including running my own IT company with six employees and more recently years in State government. My experience gives me a good understanding of what business needs to survive and grow as well as the knowledge to determine the effects of proposed political changes on individuals, business and government. Our country, as well as the rest of the world is facing huge change and the social impact needs to be addressed and plans considered to utilise the change rather than playing catch up after the fact. By planning ahead we can capitalise on this rather than being a victim of it.

I see this as a great opportunity at one of the greatest turning points in history and to be a part of it and help our nation to be a leader in managing this pivotal point to our advantage. Regrettably at this point I have had very little involvement apart from attempting unsuccessfully in the early days to organise meetings of the founding members. This is more due to the fact of family pressures at the time. As this has now changed with my children now independent there is more time for deeper involvement. I agree with the party ideals particularly with the advocation of Universal Basic Income which is something I have long advocated as my blog on automated vehicles and robotics shows. I have had no involvement with any political party prior to becoming a founding member of the Pirate Party. Blog. Resume supplied but left off the wiki - Secretariat }}

Senate (Western Australia)
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Paul de Abel
I worked commercially in the Information Technology arena for nigh on 40 years The first few years were spent coming to grips with the technology, which has now changed, but none the less remains the technology. The vast majority of my experience was focused on understanding people’s expectations of what the technology can provide and managing that expectation. I believe this is analogous to the role that an elected member of parliament performs and as such I believe I am suitably qualified. I feel that the behaviour of the federal government during the last few terms has been deplorable. Arguably this may apply to the last few decades / century. The major parties have been focussed on political point scoring, both within and external to their own parties, rather than providing sensible and reliable forward thinking governance. I relish the opportunity to be involved in an attempt to turn that focus toward the betterment of Australia. I attended several of the earlier (circa 2012) meetings and shared the party ideals with my contacts. Sadly that sharing received a lukewarm reception which in turn tempered my own enthusiasm. The deplorable behaviour of the federal government has re-ignited my desire for change. I believe that the party’s ideals need more public exposure. I believe this exposure can only realistically (cost / benefit) be achieved by social media. I am not well versed in this area however I am willing to contribute my technical and personal skills to achieve this. I unreservedly agree with the Pirate Party platform. The ideals expressed match my own beliefs and provide a balanced and sustainable framework for social and economic reform. My prior involvement in politics has been limited to the support of individual candidates that I believed in. I have not been a member of a political party other than PPAU. Resume supplied but left off the wiki at candidate request - Secretariat. }}