smartvote Australia

Profile

Rebecca Vassarotti

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | The ACT Greens

Electorate: Kurrajong

Residence: Dickson

Profession: Community Sector Leader

Current political position(s): Candidate Spokesperson for issues including housing, planning, urban renewal and heritage, gambling reform, drug reform and seniors

Select gender: Female

Year of birth: 1972

Statement:

I am passionate about our local community and want to ensure that we work together to build a great future for Canberra. I am a born and bred Canberran who loves our beautiful bush environment and the people of Canberra who are generous and caring. While it’s a great place to live, we have more to do. That’s why for the last two decades I have worked and volunteered with community-based organisations on issues including gender equity, homelessness, gambling reform, and health issues.

smartspider

Questionnaire

Rebecca Vassarotti

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.

Rebecca Vassarotti

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

Whether we like it or not, Canberra’s population is growing, and that means more housing is needed. The ACT faces difficult choices about where it is located and how it is designed. We also have a severe housing affordability problem, and a whole generation feels priced out. Canberra needs much better planning and development and reform of land release. Land sales rules should be changed so that major sites are sold for high-quality proposals not to the highest bidder

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

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

Light rail is popular with passengers. Stage 1 substantially lifted the number of people using public transport. It showed that Canberrans are looking for a good alternative transport option. Light rail is also 100%-powered by renewable electricity, reducing Canberra’s greenhouse gas emissions. The people of the Woden Valley were promised light rail at the last election and cancelling it now would be a major breach of trust with the community.

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

Canberra has important heritage values, including our heritage as a world-recognised planned city, and architectural heritage. By bringing people together to find solutions, the Greens will protect the things Canberrans love about our city - including our heritage - while providing more affordable, sustainable and attractive housing fit for climate change and a 21st Century city. We will increase resources for heritage to ensure community groups and the Heritage Council.

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

The Greens believe that landlords should need ‘just cause’ to terminate a periodic tenancy. The current 26 week notice period for ending a periodic tenancy is much better than the four week option offered in other jurisdictions but we know that “retaliatory evictions” still take place within the ACT. We know that tenants’ sense of security about their homes would be enhanced if no cause evictions were ended. If a landlord has a genuine need to terminate a tenancy this should be able to occur

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

Continuous population growth and material-based economic growth is incompatible with the planet’s finite resources. We want alternative approaches to prosperity consistent with a sustainable ecological footprint to be developed. The Greens understand that current levels of resource consumption are unsustainable and population growth is substantially increasing the ACT’s ecological footprint, which already exceeds the size of the ACT.

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

We have seen the benefit of free childcare during the initial crisis created by the COVID pandemic and are keen to explore how the ACT Government can increase access to childcare for working parents, however, this lies largely with the Commonwealth. The COVID recession has hit women hard. Women make up 96% of workers in early childhood education. We have a plan for faster rollout of universal early childhood education for 3 year olds of 15 hours per week.

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 Greens strongly support the rights of people to protest. The Black Lives Matter movement has been an important turning point in a global focus on racism and discrimination. The protest rally that occured in the ACT was not illegal and was supported by the Greens, some of whom attended while practicing COVID safe measures such as wearing masks and using hand sanitiser. We recognise the need to ensure that public gatherings are in line with the relevant health and legal advice.

8. Should there be tighter regulations of pokie machines?

The ACT Greens have been actively campaigning on harm minimisation measures for poker machines over multiple Assembly terms. It was our motion in July that was rejected by the major parties. The Greens will implement stronger harm minimisation measures of $5 bet limits and $100 load up limits by the end of 2022 at the latest. We have also announced a range of measures designed to encourage and support clubs to become pokie-free venues.

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

The ACT Greens understand that communities that lost schools in 2006 as part of the ‘towards 2020’ policy program are understandably concerned about the impacts on their local communities. We understand that the extent of the reforms proposed in the 2006-07 Budget caught the community by surprise and created considerable distress that is still impacting the provision of education in these communities today. We believe more can be done to attract and retain students in low enrolment areas.

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

The Greens have supported this tax reform because we agree with the majority of economists who believe our economy would be better off if we phased out inefficient taxes like stamp duty and replaced them with broader taxes on property, like rates. However, as we are the first place in Australia to deliver this tax reform, we are also the first to uncover some of the downsides. The ACT Greens support economic efficiency, but we believe this must be balanced with fairness.

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?

The ACT Greens have joined a broader call to the Commonwealth for a permanent increase in the rate of Jobseeker allowance. Newstart allowance was clearly far too low and meant that people were living below the poverty line - it or any replacement allowance should never return to the previous rate. We believe that funds are better spent supporting those doing it tough and that economic measures should be targeted rather than a blanket approach such as reducing taxes for everyone.

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

In a time when the economy is under pressure from the COVID pandemic, shrinking government spending to reduce debt would only worsen the economic downturn and leave Canberrans worse off. This is a very difficult time for many in the community, but it is also an opportunity to build a better future. The decisions we make now will shape the future of our society. In response, the ACT Greens campaign focus is “Building a Better Normal”.

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

Restrictions were unfortunately a necessary measure to protect the health and lives of Canberrans. The risks posed by the pandemic presented a significant likelihood of mass COVID spread, which could have led to an overburdened health system, resulting in a higher death rate, illness and long-term health risks. We now need to invest in economic recovery. If elected the Greens will push for growth in jobs across the environment, climate change, health, housing, built infrastructure

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

The Greens have long argued that corporations shouldn’t be donating to political parties - that’s why we have public funding for elections. However, the older parties want to have both public funding AND corporate donations. During the recent Assembly debate on amendments to the Electoral Act the Greens sought unsuccessfully to make a number of amendments to the legislation including banning donations from not-for-profit developers such as licenced clubs, banning donations from gambling entities

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 balance of decision-making powers granted to the Chief Health Officer (CHO) provide the Territory with the ability to be responsive, flexible and agile to the challenges presented in this current pandemic. The CHO’s decision-making powers and operational expertise are designed to strike the right balance in responsiveness and also democratic transparency. Given weare living through the worst health crisis and first global pandemic in living memory there will be a time to reflect on learning

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

The ACT Greens put the proposal for an independent integrity commission on the agenda in 2016 to shine a light into the corners of ACT Government and democratic processes. We believe that it is important that all government bodies with powers should have appropriate oversights. The ACT Greens have long held the view that the contracted partnership with the Australian Federal Police to provide the Territory’s police services should bring with it a shared obligation to be covered by this.

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?

As evidenced by the ACT’s experience of restrictions during the peak of the pandemic and also those in place now, the Greens believe that the measures taken were necessary to keep Canberrans safe and protected. While we have been lucky, we have certainly also had a very well managed system in the ACT resulting in fairly low cases of COVID, very few deaths and much fewer negative experiences than has been experienced elsewhere in most places in Australia.

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

The Greens support a woman's right to choose how to respond to pregnancy. We proposed successful legislation in the Assembly to establish exclusion zones in areas surrounding clinics where women seek terminations and supports, and we have also successfully ensured that medical abortions are also available to those who want them in recent years.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

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

The Greens have always supported same-sex marriage and led the way in the ACT to achieve it in 2013, although it was subsequently overturned by the High Court of Australia. The Greens also support the right to religious belief and as such, do not see a role for the government to intervene in matters of faith. There is evidence to suggest that the effects of some religious doctrines are harmful for those who are same-sex attracted or gender diverse and we must ensure people feel included and safe

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

The ACT Greens have been long-time advocates for dying with dignity and to respect the rights and wishes of terminally ill Canberrans to end their lives on their own terms. The Greens believe that the people of the ACT, just like all Australians, should have the right to make choices about their own life and death. The Greens want to see a compassionate, safe and workable scheme for voluntary assisted dying so at the end of our lives we have the right to die with dignity,how and when we choose

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

The ACT Greens have spent years urging the ACT Government to provide pill testing at these events, and after multiple positive evaluations of 2 trials at Groovin the Moo, we believe it's time to commit to permanent pill testing for major festivals in the ACT. We want to make festivals safe, fun and supportive environments. Years of experience around the world has shown that pill testing is the quickest and most effective way of improving people’s understanding of the possible risks of drug use.

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

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

The Greens support a sensible transition toward a more sustainable, less car-dominated Canberra. Car-free days have worked well overseas, and can help show people how public space can be used in a more community-oriented way. Trialling car-free days is a part of the ACT Government’s 2019 Climate Change Strategy, which was led by ACT Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

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

The ACT must continue to lead action on climate change mitigation and adaptation in response to the climate emergency. The ACT Greens believe that climate change is the biggest challenge our society and planet face. We’re proud to have proven that world-leading climate action is possible in Australia, powering the ACT by 100% renewable electricity. INow that we’ve reached 100% renewable electricity, we can focus on transport and gas emissions, and create a climate-resilient, green economy

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

The science is clear about the link between human induced climate change and worsening bushfire conditions. It is imperative that we continue to take strong climate change action in the ACT, as well as nationally and globally, if we are to avoid the continued impacts of climate change - such as the horrendous and devastating bushfires over summer in our region, and the resulting alarming, choking smoke we all endured for 2 months over summer in Canberra.

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

While crime rates are going down, incarceration rates are going up. A growing population, together with more awareness around domestic, family and sexual assault, are part of the story. More effective policing, reduced rates of bail, social issues like unemployment, poverty and family trauma, particularly among young offenders, also all have an impact. The ACT Greens believe that by building communities, not prisons, we can break the criminal justice cycle and keep the community safe.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

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

The Greens believe that criminalising cannabis use causes more harm than good. The reality is that many Australians choose to use cannabis. 35% of us have tried it or used it socially but, unfortunately, this choice remains illegal and can have serious consequences. We believe that drug use should be treated as a health issue. The Greens believe that we need to ensure drug law reform responds to evidence about what works rather than relying on old approaches that cause harm.

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

The ACT Greens strongly support both the existing First Nations Sentencing Courts, and other “problem solving” courts such as the Drug and Alcohol Court, which was a Greens election commitment in 2016. First Nations people engaged with the justice system are often victims themselves, or are suffering from intergenerational trauma, and should be offered opportunities to have their offending behaviour addressed - not just their offences

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 ACT Greens are strongly supportive of the new Community Policing Services Model that significantly increased both funding and personnel. We believe that with the increased level of investment, and with the right approach to genuine community policing, the ACT will be a safer and more just city, with reduced offending and enhanced crime prevention. The recent increases to ACT Policing have allowed better engagement on issues such as mental health and domestic and family violence.

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 Greens know that social inclusion is critical to the health and wellbeing of individuals and also the community. When people are active in society they lead better, more fulfilling lives, and this has a knock on effect where the entire community benefits and can thrive. To ensure the ACT is a place for everyone, the ACT Government must invest in programs and infrastructure that make everyone welcome and able to participate in our public life and spaces.

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 Greens are strong supporters of investment in transport. We believe that transport problems should be solved through investment in public transport, walking, cycling, road safety improvements and electric vehicles. The Greens are calling for 20% of the roads budget to be set aside for walking and cycling, which will allow the government to catch up on the hundreds of overdue path links and upgrades.

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 Greens’ $450 million housing initiative calls for a massive increase in expenditure on social and affordable housing, with funding allocated for 1,000 new properties. 400 of these will be public, or social, housing properties, and 600 will be affordable housing properties, which will be social housing targeted at those most in need and where rent is charged as a proportion of income, delivered by non-profit community housing providers.