Minutes/National Council/2022-09-08

Meeting Minutes This document is a record of a meeting. Do not edit this document without contacting the relevant group first.

Victorian preselection meeting 8th September 2022

Procedure: National Council meeting

Quorum achieved 21:37 AEST.

Attendees

• Miles Whiticker (chair; PPAU-NC)
• John August (PPAU-NC)
• Roger Whatling (PPAU-NC & Fusion-EC)
• Alex Jago (minutes; PPAU-NC)
• Simon Gnieslaw (PPAU member; prospective candidate)
• Sam (PPAU member)

Minutes

• The Party Constitution technically only requires the full ceremony for Federal candidates
• So... in expediency, we can do this by NC motion.

Simon Gnieslaw

• originally planning to be in a supporting role
• other candidates fell through
• "_someone_ has to step up"

• Roger: Simon had a huge part in getting rego over the line, congrats on standing.

Statement:

I am running because I am frustrated by the amount of incompetence and corruption in Government from both major parties, and the real world problems that this brings to our every day lives. We need more genuine people ran for office who genuinely care about others, rather than leave it to those with vested interests. I would love it if others put their hands up, but someone has to it. If elected, I would want to advocate for more Direct Democracy, by having an online engagement platform where regular people can submit their ideas, vote, and we can get the best outcomes. The last two and a half years have been particularly difficult for everyone, and shown us how important it is to vote for people who actually care. I am disappointed that throughout this mess, the Labor government has not been listening to anyone else, and have continually made unnecessary mistakes while also being too heavy handed. They don’t have the necessary feedback loops to get the right balance. I also think that a Liberal government would be just as bad, in their own special way. The world has changed, and we need to help business adapt to full-time Working from Home where possible (which is actually better for them too), and we need to stop the the cost of living from spiralling out of control. Please consider putting Minor Parties and Independents who you agree with the most, before the Majors. Thankfully we have preferential voting, and we should use it.

Background:

Simon is a 36-year-old married IT professional from Moorabbin. Simon first worked at Coles Bentleigh whilst in high school at Caulfield Grammar and followed his passion in technology by completing an Advanced Diploma of Computer System Engineering at Homesglen Institute of TAFE, Moorabbin, in 2006. After finishing his studies, he has worked as a Technical Support Analyst for software giant MYOB, and then going on to start his own IT business, with a focus on helping Small Businesses succeed. Simon has at various times being involved in helping the Pirate Party/Fusion, and Designing Open Democracy. Simon enjoys gaming, discussions, and tinkering with technology. Simon’s political areas of interest: Technology, Efficiency, Civil Rights, Health, Democracy, Public Transport & Futurism, The Environment, and a fair and productive Economy.

• Long term local
• Bentleigh not seen as a likely target seat for Fusion-like parties

Q&A

• Alex: "what've you been up to since 2016?"
  • Simon: mostly keeping my head above water in small biz.

Candidate Pledge

Simon pledges: "I hereby pledge to advance and adhere to the platform and ideals of Pirate Party Australia, both during the election campaign and upon election to Parliament".

Motions

• MOTION: the Pirate Party Australia National Council endorses Simon Gnieslaw as a Fusion candidate for the 2022 Victorian state election.
  • Nominated by: Miles Whiticker
  • Seconded by: Roger Whatling, Tyrone D'Lisle
  • Ayes 5 (Tyrone D'Lisle, Miles Whiticker, Roger Whatling, John August, Alex Jago)
  • Motion CARRIED unanimously at 21:55 AEST.

Meeting ended 21:57.