smartvote Australia

Profile

Ed Cocks

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Canberra Liberals

Electorate: Murrumbidgee

Residence: Monash

Select gender: Male

Year of birth: 1979

Statement:

Ed was born and raised in Canberra. He bought his first home in Kambah, was married in Tuggeranong and has worked in the Woden area for most of his 20 year career in the APS. Ed has at various times been a courier, a help-desk worker, a policy analyst, and a dance music producer. Ed is a strong advocate for Canberra’s south. He is passionate about taking the pressure off the cost of living, and ensuring that Canberrans have the opportunities they deserve.

smartspider

Questionnaire

Ed Cocks

The smartspider is a graphical visualisation of the political profiles of the candidates and users based on their answers to the questionnaire. Each of the 6 axes represents a formulated goal in a policy area (e.g. Welfare state, Law & order etc.) based on at least three questions from the questionnaire. A few questions have been assigned to multiple axes and some questions have not been assigned to any axis. For each axis a value of between 100 and 0 points can be reached. A value of 100, at the outside edge of the spider, represents strong agreement with the formulated goal of the corresponding axis. A value of 0, in the centre of the spider, means that there is no agreement with the formulated goal. The more similar the political profiles of a candidate and user are, the more their smartspiders will overlap. For more information on the smartspider and which questions are assigned with which axes, see the methodology page.

Ed Cocks

1. Should the government release more land to build houses in the ACT?

The Canberra Liberals are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. We know that Canberrans want to purchase a home on a single block. We will provide freeze rates for four years saving families $1500 while reducing cost of living pressures associated with home ownership, and provide more opportunities to purchase a home in Canberra. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

2. Should Stage 2 of Canberra's light rail system commence as soon as possible?

The Canberra Liberals are committed to ensuring our Light Rail system is a success. We are committed to ensuring future stages are economically viable, and that Canberrans receive value for money for the expansion of the network. We will conduct independent analysis into the business case for Stage 2 and if it stacks up the project will proceed. We will publish the business case and other information withheld by the government. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services

3. Is it necessary to relax heritage protections of buildings to promote development in the ACT?

The Canberra Liberals are passionate about preserving cultural and heritage sites. We understand the historical value these sites hold to our Canberra community. We will work collaboratively with the community to ensure future generations can enjoy Canberra’s rich history. For example, we support restoration works for the iconic Melbourne and Sydney Buildings, and believe that ACT Government should contribute financially to this project which benefits the wider Canberra community.

4. Should landlords be prohibited from evicting a tenant without cause?

The Canberra Liberals understand that especially during the current health and economic crises that circumstances can change for families and many are struggling with cost of living. We believe that there should be protections in place for tenants, however property owners should still have the right to move into or sell their properties after the required legal notice period.

5. Do you think increasing the ACT's population is needed for our economic growth?

The Canberra Liberals understand many people are being forced across the border because of cost of living pressures. We will ensure Canberra is the best place to live, work and raise a family by lowering taxes and delivering better services. This will help our long-term economic growth and provide additional revenue for the ACT Government. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services.

6. Should childcare be free for parents regardless of their income?

Childcare is another example of the cost of living in Canberra being out of control. We understand and value the importance of providing access to quality education from an early age. We will work with the Federal Government to expand access to universal access provisions for early childhood education and care. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

7. Do you think the ACT Government should have prohibited the Black Lives Matter public demonstrations during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Canberra Liberals strongly support freedom of speech and the right to protest; however, we appreciate the need for reasonable public health measures during the current crisis. Any restrictions should be equally and consistently applied.

8. Should there be tighter regulations of pokie machines?

The Canberra Liberals understand the important role community clubs play in our community. We believe there should be appropriate support for problem gamblers, however we should not impose unreasonable restrictions.

9. Should the ACT Government close schools with low enrolments?

The Canberra Liberals want to make Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. That involves having quality local schools and delivering better education outcomes for our kids. We will provide cost of living relief with our $200 Active and Creative Kids Vouchers for school children to use on extracurricular activities. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services.

10. Do you support the replacement of the stamp duty with higher rates?

The Canberra Liberals are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. Rates revenue has tripled since tax reform putting significant cost of living pressures on many households. That is why we will freeze rates for four years saving families $1500 to provide relief and put downward pressure on rents. We will continue to reduce stamp duty as set out in the Budget. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

11. Should unemployment benefits be reduced to their pre-COVID-19 pandemic level, once the crisis is over?

We have committed to a Poverty Taskforce to address cost of living and the root causes of Canberra’s poverty problem. While benefits are set by the Federal Government, we are focused on doing all in our power at a Territory level to lower the cost of living. We will save households $1000 per year - our rates freeze will provide relief for homeowners and renters, we will cut car rego by $100 per car per year, and deliver more gap-free and after-hours GP services to save families $200 per year.

12. Is reducing government debt currently the most important economic issue facing the ACT?

Cost of living is the number one economic issue facing Canberrans and their families. The Canberra Liberals will save households $1000 per year - our rates freeze will provide relief for homeowners and renters, we will cut car rego by $100 per car per year, provide $200 Active and Creative Kids vouchers, build 1200 affordable homes, and deliver more gap-free and after-hours GP services to save families $200 per year. Only the Liberals will lower taxes and deliver better services

13. Do you think that a high number of job losses is acceptable if it can protect public health?

The Canberra Liberals support reasonable public health measures; however, we need to consider the harm that can come from extended lock downs. This includes more families suffering from cost of living pressures, poor mental health outcomes, and strain on community resources. We will create jobs in government, and support local businesses with job retention through lower taxes and better services.

14. Should property developers be allowed to donate to political parties and candidates?

The Canberra Liberals support measures that bring transparency and accountability to our democratic processes. Any limitations on freedom of political speech should be reasonable and in their least restrictive form as supported by the Australian Constitution and High Court.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

15. Should elected politicians delegate more decision-making powers to chief health officers during public health crises?

The Canberra Liberals believe in democracy and the rights of Canberrans to elect their representatives. When it comes to public health crises, Ministers should be guided by officials but ultimately remain accountable to their constituency for decisions. Advice provided should always be carefully considered, but Canberrans should have the confidence their elected representatives retain important decision-making powers and responsibilities.

16. Should the ACT Integrity Commissioner have oversight over ACT Policing?

The Canberra Liberals support the ACT Integrity Commissioner having oversight of all integrity issues in the ACT. The Canberra Liberals will improve transparency and accountability in government as part of our plan to deliver lower taxes and better services.

17. Do you think there should be more limitations on the ACT government's ability to deploy mandatory lockdowns in response to public health threats?

18. Do you think that women should readily be able to obtain an abortion if they request one?

The Canberra Liberals allow for a conscience vote on this issue. I will always advocate for better alternatives to abortion. Taking the life of an unborn child should never be the easy answer, and a child’s life should not be sacrificed for convenience. However, abortion should be safe, legal, and rare so that if a mother makes the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy, she has the right supports to mitigate the physical and emotional impact of abortion.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

19. Should churches have the right to refuse to administer same-sex marriages?

The Canberra Liberals support freedom of religion and recognise it as a fundamental human right. We recognise the legal rights of faith groups to act in accordance with their beliefs.

20. Do you think that terminally ill patients should be able to end their lives with medical assistance?

The Canberra Liberals allow for a conscience vote on this issue. As someone who has spent the last 5 years working to improve mental health and suicide prevention in Australia, I cannot reconcile preventing suicide with endorsing medically assisted suicide. Australia’s suicide rate is too high already. More can and should be done to improve palliative care, and quality of life for those with a terminal illness so that ending their life is not the only option they can see.

21. Should pill testing at music festivals be prohibited in the ACT?

The Canberra Liberals do not support or encourage the use of illicit substances. We also recognise that there needs to reasonable harm minimisation measures from a health perspective. We will make evidence-based decisions considering health and legal implications of pill testing models proposed at any future festivals or events noting the current COVID restrictions.

22. Should the ACT government accept Commonwealth funding for Christian chaplains in public schools?

We are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. Our support for voluntary school chaplaincy services applies to all religions, and any programs offered would be not be compulsory. Schools and students will have freedom to access chaplaincy services if they wish. We support initiatives to improve the wellbeing of students and teachers. Chaplain services are fully funded by the Federal Government and provide greater capacity for pastoral care at local schools.

23. Should there be more car-free areas in the ACT?

The Canberra Liberals know many families are stressed by cost of living and rely on their cars for work and family responsibilities. For many, public transport is inaccessible or poses a potential health risk during the current crisis. We will cut car rego and save households on average $200 per year as part of our plan to make Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family by delivering lower taxes and better services.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

24. Should the ACT relax its net zero carbon emissions target?

The Canberra Liberals have previously committed to the net zero emissions target. We also support innovation and giving Canberrans a choice about their energy usage. As a key pillar of our plan to protect the local environment to ensure we have a sustainable future for all, we will plant and care for One Million Trees over the next decade. One Million Trees will strengthen and protect Canberra’s air quality for generations to come.

25. Are the worsening bushfire seasons a direct result of human-induced climate change?

Under Labor and the Greens, prescribed burning targets were missed across years and contributed to worse conditions on the ground. We recognise the need for practical solutions to manage our response to changing bushfire conditions. We have committed to additional resourcing for our Emergency Services and will work with the Rural Fire Service to increase preparedness for future seasons. Only the Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better services.

26. Should people who break the law be given stiffer sentences?

We are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. We believe sentences should reflect community expectations and consider risks to public safety and rehabilitation. We will conduct a comprehensive review into bail and sentencing. We will assess suitability of suspended sentencing and intensive corrections orders for serious offences, such as sexual violence, where a convicted child sex offender has recently been ordered to serve his sentence in the community.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

27. Should the recreational use of marijuana by adults be a criminal offence?

We are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. Our highest priority is reducing the cost of living and delivering lower taxes and better services. The Canberra Liberals do not support or encourage the use of illicit substances. We also recognise that there needs to reasonable harm minimisation measures from a health perspective. The cannabis laws in the ACT conflict with Federal legislation making it problematic for law enforcement and the courts.

28. Do you think Indigenous Australians who break the law should be offered alternative sentencing?

We are committed to making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family. We recognise the need for culturally appropriate services and support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, like the Ngambra Circle Sentencing Court. We support measures to reduce the high incarceration and recidivism rates for all people, especially first-time offenders who have been convicted of minor crimes.

29. Should public expenditure on policing be increased or decreased? (Remember “more” could result in a tax increase and “less” could result in fewer services.)

The Canberra Liberals are committed to delivering lower taxes and better services. Under Labor and the Greens, the ACT has the lowest spending on police per capita in Australia and 50 fewer frontline offers than a decade ago. Police stations are at capacity and in disrepair due to a lack of funds for maintenance. We will hire 130 more police offices and invest in a new police station in Gungahlin in line with population growth.

Much less

Somewhat less

Same

Somewhat more

Much more

30. Should public expenditure on multicultural and inclusion programs be increased or decreased? (Remember “more” could result in a tax increase and “less” could result in fewer services.)

The Canberra Liberals are committed to delivering lower taxes and better services. We recognise the significant contributions made by the multicultural community. As part of our plan to make the ACT the best place to live, work and raise a family, the Canberra Liberals will deliver a purpose-built Gungahlin Multicultural and Community Centre.

31. Should public expenditure on roads be increased or decreased? (Remember “more” could result in a tax increase and “less” could result in fewer services.)

The Canberra Liberals are committed to delivering lower taxes and better services. Under Labor and the Greens, the Auditor-General found road maintenance funding had been cut, equivalent of 9% of all roads needed surfacing, the backlog of road maintenance had increased by more than 400%, and there was no plan to fix it. The Canberra Liberals will put an additional $40 million towards local road maintenance and fund shovel ready projects to create jobs and provide a boost to our local economy.

32. Should public expenditure on public housing be increased or decreased? (Remember “more” could result in a tax increase and “less” could result in fewer services.)

The Canberra Liberals are committed to delivering lower taxes and better services. Canberrans are struggling with the cost of living and are waiting more than 3 years for public housing. We will provide 1200 new affordable dwellings, build 60 new public housing properties, upgrade a further 1000, and cap house and land packages for people on low incomes. We will also freeze rates to save families and households on average $1500 on their rates bill and put downward pressure on rent.