Policy and Preselection Meeting 2013/Candidates
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Senate Candidates
New South Wales
David William Campbell
Preselection candidate for
Senate in NSW
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I have been heavily involved with the party in its formative years and I live and breathe our platform in my day to day life. I am technically educated and socially skilled enough to fully comprehend and break down our platform to the general public and help bridge the knowledge gap of those who struggle with the issues we are fighting. Having previously worked in the internet industry I have a clear perspective on our many privacy and security policies. I'm a trustworthy individual who prefers to cut though the chaff and speak plainly so that I am clearly understood. I'm married with two kids and have a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence, I'm a Rotarian and I have no dodgy social interests or engagements that would call the party into disrepute.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I am in the position in my life where I want to and can contribute more to society. I am frustrated with overwhelmingly draconian and Orwellian law trends as we bow to multinational corporations and fearful warmongering super powers. I see a chance for myself and the party to improve our nation and protect key civil rights whilst pushing the Pirate Party platform as a member of the Australian Senate.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I have managed our IT systems, attended rallies, spread flyers, garnered national news coverage for helping people fight the internet filter, I have also been President of the Party for 2 years now. I will be a staunch and steadfast representative of the Party and use my experience thus far with the general public and the media to present a transparent, professional and earnest Political Party and fight for our stated goals and platform/policies.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
I agree with and personally pursue all of the current Pirate Party platform and ideals and I am dedicated to the Pirate Party cause. Pirate Party Australia is my first venture into politics having not previously had an interest in politics beyond major issues that divide the nation.
Additional Documentation:
Brendan Molloy
Preselection candidate for
Senate in NSW
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
While having a primarily administrative role within the Party for the last 3 years, I have been required to field interviews and requests from the media, so I am experienced in communicating our message with the media and am not stressed by such an environment.
I am able to communicate complex ideas with a variety of audiences, which is important for a potential Senate candidate. I have a deep understanding of the Party platform, and strongly believe in the positions we have democratically determined will be taken into the upcoming election.
I have experience dealing with freedom of information requests, active campaigning such as the organisation and execution of protests and flash mobs, managing the day to day workings of the Party itself, and consulting with the member base on the issues.
I have at least three years experience liaising with government groups, politicians, the media and the public. I believe I am the most suitable candidate to be leading our Senate group in New South Wales.Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I deeply believe the issues that the party represents—intellectual rights reform, privacy reforms, transparency reforms, stopping data retention, and standing against censorship—are very important issues that are overlooked time and time again by the major and minor parties.
I am especially distressed by the future introduction of a data retention regime beyond the already fundamentally unbalanced "cybercrime" laws we had implemented in order to accede to the Council of Europe Cybercrime Convention.
The pervasiveness of the proposed data retention regime as outlined in the National Security Inquiry implements a pervasive and indiscriminate system of surveillance unseen since the fall of some Soviet-era despotisms, while also reversing the legal concept of innocent until proven guilty. We cannot allow the implementation of a system of pervasive and unfettered surveillance.What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I have been with the Pirate Party since shortly after its inception, and have been a representative of the Pirate Party since 2010 as Secretary. I was instrumental in the registration of Pirate Party Australia in order for us to compete under the party label in the upcoming Federal election.
I represent the party platform and values in public life, such as attending forums like auIGF and Australian Digital Alliance copyright forums, discussing the Pirate perspective on these matters and gaining supporters.
I have attended treaty negotiation public briefings for ACTA and the TPP, and continue our campaign against opacity in trade agreements, such as with a recent freedom of information request for the TPP documents and requests for further information about legislative changes as a result of previous treaties that included IP chapters.Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
The Pirate Party was the first and only party that I have been a member.
There was no other party that fulfilled my expectations of a group focused entirely on solving the issues, without an overbearing philosophical doctrine or factionalism.
I fully believe in the principles of the Party, and believe that we can make a fundamental difference to the future of Australian legislation with our unique understanding and insight into the issues of transparency and privacy in the information age.Additional Documentation:
Queensland
Melanie Thomas
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Queensland
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I'm currently a member of the Policy Development Committee, responsible for the development and writing of party policy. This position has given me a deep understanding of the party platform and I feel I would be able to relay this information to the public, in a professional and coherent manner. My full time work is in the media intelligence and analysis industry, which has given me a solid grounding in the workings of politics in Australia, at both state and federal level, as well as a strong knowledge of the general business and corporate community. I have a solid background in advertising and the media, where I have been able to hone my professional communication skills, and I have a well-developed proficiency in persuasive selling and communication. I possess a professional demeanour and am able to engage people easily. I believe my understanding and passion for the Pirate platform combined with my professional track record makes me the best person for the candidacy.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I've developed my understanding and knowledge of the party platform in the PDC, I now feel I'm ready to take this proficiency to the next level. I believe many Australians will be looking for an alternative at the next election and I want to be able to offer them that option. Our policies are slowly but surely making their way to the forefront of Australian political discourse and I firmly believe our time is now. The senate is the best possible place for a Pirate candidate to be able to effect genuine change and I am driven to do what I can to take the party to this level. I have a deep connection to Queensland and its people and its important, at this point, that they hear our message. I have the utmost confidence I can deliver this message.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
As previously mentioned I'm currently an active member within the PDC, regularly meeting with the team for general and working group meetings. I also regularly meet with the Queensland branch, where we discuss strategy for growing the Queensland membership base. As the senate candidate I would continue to assist with overall party strategy as well as becoming more active in the general community and embracing community engagement opportunities as they arise. I would also actively seek out media and promotion opportunities and devote myself to creating positive awareness of the party. As I currently work with public relations professionals, I have a strong aptitude with PR strategy and campaign ideas.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
The Pirate Party is the only party that has ever spoken to me in such a way that I felt compelled to join. From a very young age I aligned myself to Left and socialist politics, however never felt driven enough by the ALP or the Greens to join and become active. Civil liberties have always been the most important thing to me, so when I found the Pirate Party I knew I had found the party I would make a total commitment to. I agree with the Pirate platform 110% and I believe this platform will soon emerge and take centre stage around the world as other concerned citizens seek urgent change. I believe humanity is at a crossroads at present and we are facing the erosion of our most basic of human rights. I feel if we don't take a stand now and implement safeguards, we will face dire, irreversible consequences. I am passionate about the Pirate Party and the stand we are taking and it is this passion that is driving me to do what it takes, including standing for the senate candidacy.
Additional Documentation:
George Shannon
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Queensland
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I'm not - But no one truly is. I will bring an analytical approach honed by undergraduate engineering, a healthy dose of cynicism and a modicum of flair. It's important that there be a wide variety of viewpoints in order to reach an informed consensus - most politicians with degrees have come out of law. A different perspective, a younger perspective, when combined with some ambition and optimism can catalyze improvement.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
Because someone needs to stand, and it will be a challenge. Most of the issues on which our platform is based are either woefully underrepresented or horrendously misrepresented. Given the way technology is flowing, if the situation isn't addressed soon then it will be far too late. The challenge is twofold - getting in will be the beginning. Once in, there will be a constant battle to ensure proper coverage of topics, and real discussion on issues, not just political doublespeak. I like challenges.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I have attended a number of QLD pirate meetings in Brisbane, and pushed some people towards joining the party itself. As for advancing the Party, that's something everyone needs to influence. Making it in to Parliament would in itself be promoting the movement, and as it's hard to come across a real news topic that in some way doesn't cover something based on our core ideals, I would be able to explain the Party platform using general or generic examples.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
Yes. No other parties.
Additional Documentation:
Liam Pomfret
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Queensland
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
In my day to day life outside the party, I am a PhD student working in my university's marketing cluster, looking at online consumer privacy issues. I am heavily involved in a number of issues related to our platform on a day to day basic, including privacy, and open access. As an academic, I also have experience in presenting complex ideas to a variety of (sometimes actively hostile) audiences.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I am distressed by the lack of understanding demonstrated by elected politicians in Canberra about privacy, transparency, censorship and intellectual rights issues, and am very much concerned about the degree of influence being exercised by vested interests on the development of legislation in these areas. The kinds of systems being proposed by politicians on both sides of the house are nigh-on Orwellian, and pose a clear and present danger to the well-being of this country and it's citizens.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I have been with the Pirate Party since early in it's life, and currently serve as the Queensland State Coordinator. Though my contributions to the party thusfar have been relatively modest, I am hoping that my background as a marketing academic will be of assistance to the party as we develop our campaign strategy and engage in advertising in advance of the coming election.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
The Pirate Party is the first and only political party I have been a member of. While I've had a longstanding interest in politics, no party until the Pirates has been a good match to me ideologically. I strongly believe in the Pirate Party's principles and ideals, and hope that the Pirate Party can be a strong force for positive change for Australia.
Additional Documentation:
Victoria
Joseph Miles
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Victoria
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I have a long professional history of directly advocating on behalf of many Victorians experiencing disadvantage, liaising with Government departments and giving legislation based direction to other professionals. I have excellent verbal communication skills. This is necessary for both my job as a Disability Support Worker and my volunteer position as a presenter on community radio. I am able to present the same information in different ways (depending on my audience) as well as present more complex ideas in manageable ways. I am very comfortable speaking in public – both in person and via media – and I am versed in interview techniques of content presenters and guests.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
Primarily, I want to be able to support the first PPAU Senate Candidate for Victoria. The PPAU party platform (and draft policies) very closely reflect my personal views on a great many issues, and I would like to see that candidate succeed in Victoria so as to bring these (common sense) issues to the fore. I would like to see a strong debate in the coming campaign around data retention and IP law reform. I'm personally wanting to see a discussion started on liberties and freedoms Australians should be able to expect now, and would like to have as reality in the future - and the PPAU is the only party taking this seriously.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I speak with and teach all-comers on the use of some basic cryptographic tools, the uses and benefits of file sharing, free and open source software and very basic steps to maintain privacy. As I'm a radio presenter, I also do this on-air.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
The PPAU platform very closely resembles my personal beliefs, so much so that it's something I may have written. I've not been a part of any other conventional Australian political party. I've had limited involvement with CryptoParty (Melbourne and Online), Trident Plowshares, Occupy Melbourne.
Additional Documentation:
Geoffrey Hammett
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Victoria
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I feel I am qualified as I completely support the ideas and beliefs that the pirate party is based upon, and want to help the pirate party achieve all its goals regarding changes and amendments to Federal law, I feel I would be a strong voice for the pirate party, as I can speak well in public forums. My past jobs have given me the ability to have conversations with all types of people on a variety of subjects and can voice my opinions with eloquence and integrity. I enjoy debating with others over issues and believe I could get people to support the pirate party in their goals
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I am seeking this position to help the pirate party achieve its goals, both short and long term, including changes and amendments to Federal law.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
I have had minimum experience and made no contributions so far to the party, but am keen to become more involved, I want to help advance the pirate party by speaking with people about the party and by getting them to support and join the party, giving us a strong voice on a larger stage therefore increasing our chances of achieving our goals
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
I believe strongly in the pirate parties platform and its ideals, I feel that while maintaining individual privacy and protection, laws should be changed so that governments and companies should be made to be transparent and all actions and decisions made should be able to be seen by the public, the ‘behind closed doors’ dealings of governments and companies lead to problems for the public. I have never been a member of any other political movement or party
Additional Documentation:
Tasmania
Thomas Randle
Preselection candidate for
Senate in Tasmania
Why do you feel that you are qualified for the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I joined the Pirate Party shortly after discovering this movement has begun in Australia and realising it represents my world view. I firmly believed in the founding principles of the Party before I became a member, and prior to becoming a member I was dismayed there was no political movement which could adequately represent a free, open and transparent society in the digital age. I understand the importance and relevancy of our core issues and will do everything I can as a candidate to take our political philosophy to next election.
Why are you seeking the position for which you have declared your candidacy?
I am seeking the nomination of the Party for the purpose of providing our movement and the people of Tasmania with representation in the Senate. When I joined this party I made the decision to participate in the political process of our nation, and ensure that the values of our Party are represented to the Australian people.
What experience/contribution have you made so far to the Pirate movement, and what will you do to advance or better the Party and movement?
Since joining the Party I have taken on the roles of Campaigns Officer and Tasmanian Coordinator. I have built the Campaigns Committee from an empty shell to valuable group of volunteers which will lead us and our campaigning efforts to the coming election. As the State Coordinator for my home State of Tasmania I have organised and run the first Hobart Cyptoparty with the help of other local members and organised regular meetups of Tasmanian members with the intention of forming a Tasmanian Pirate Party in the near future.
Do you agree with the Pirate Party platform and its ideals? What other political movements or parties have you been a part of?
I agree with our current platform and believe in our founding principles and have not been involved in any other political parties.
Additional Documentation: