smartvote Australia

Profile

Emma Davidson

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | The ACT Greens

Electorate: Murrumbidgee

Residence: Hughes

Profession: Community sector

Select gender: Female

Year of birth: 1974

Statement:

I've lived in Murrumbidgee’s suburbs for most of the past 25 years. It's where I have worked in the community sector, volunteer in community and sports groups, and made a home with my family. We must ensure we have the right infrastructure for our communities as the population grows and climate changes. This includes schools, health, sports, and arts facilities, improve our transport network, and enable everyone to access safe, secure, sustainable, affordable housing.

smartspider

Questionnaire

Emma Davidson

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.

Emma Davidson

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

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. Like the rest of Australia, 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 just 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 Stage 1 is popular with passengers, increasing the number of people using public transport. 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. Cancelling it now would be a major breach of trust with the community. People reliant on public transport and small businesses near those routes deserve consistency from government.

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

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 also substantially lift resources for heritage to ensure community groups and the Heritage Council have the resources to promote our heritage and protect broader heritage values important to the whole community.

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

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 weeks in other jurisdictions. But “retaliatory evictions” still take place. 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, there should be no impediment to this, as long as tenants have sufficient notice.

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

While the economy is an important tool for managing the production of human needs and wants, it should serve the goals of the community. The economy must be redesigned to be environmentally sustainable and fit within the limits of the natural environment. It must also be redesigned to deliver social justice, with equity, cultural and economic considerations. These goals are achievable, with the right policies and investments in our future.

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

The COVID recession has hit women hard. Women make up 96% of workers in early childhood education. Now, with Commonwealth funded free childcare no longer available, we have a childcare sector in crisis. Our plan for faster rollout of universal early childhood education for 3 year olds of 15 hours per week, working with the early childhood sector, will enable education opportunities for children, and more workforce participation for all parents, which we know will mostly be women.

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 right to protest. The Black Lives Matter movement has been an important turning point in a global focus on racism and discrimination. The protest rally in the ACT was legal and was supported by the Greens, myself included. I saw many people at the protest practicing COVID safe measures such as distancing while marching, wearing masks and using hand sanitiser. We recognise the need to ensure that public gatherings are in line with 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?

I was part of the campaign to try to save Chifley’s public primary school in 2006. The extent of those closures were unexpected for the community, and created considerable distress that is still impacting these communities today. We believe more can be done to attract and retain students in low enrolment areas, and that is why we will commit to no school closures over the next term of the Assembly.

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

The Greens 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 to deliver this tax reform, we are also the first to uncover downsides. We support economic efficiency, but this must be balanced with fairness. We will push for more work to review tax reform and find ways to improve 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. Jobseeker 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 COVID, 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 also an opportunity to build a better future. The decisions we make now will shape the future of our society. “Building a Better Normal” means supporting economic recovery while taking opportunities to solve challenges like housing affordability and climate change.

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

To stop the spread of COVID-19 the ACT Government imposed very strict restrictions and business closures, which has placed a very significant economic burden on businesses and individuals. The Greens will push for growth in jobs across the environment, climate change, health, housing, built infrastructure and arts. Now is a particularly important time for job creation and the Greens are dedicated to providing Canberrans with employment opportunities, and support and recovery packages.

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

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. The Greens in the last Assembly sought to ban donations from not-for-profit developers such as licenced clubs, banning donations from gambling entities, and restricting donations to $10,000 per year from any individual or corporate group. Sadly these were voted down by Labor and the Liberals.

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?

We are living through the worst health crisis in living memory. There will be time for review and evaluation of the entire government's response to these challenges, and this will consider the role of the CHO and the powers and regulations that guide its decision making. Only then can an assessment of the current powers of the CHO be made, and we commit to considering any such recommendations that may arise with a view to both health outcomes as well as democratic process and powers.

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 the 2016 election 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 Territory’s police services should come under the scrutiny of all relevant ACT Government oversight agencies, including the Human Rights Commission and the newly created Integrity Commission.

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, by ensuring appropriately trained GPs are legally able to prescribe medication.

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. We must do our utmost to ensure that people feel included in society regardless of their circumstances.

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. The ACT is currently subject to the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997, an imposed federal law. The Federal Government added a section to the ACT’s Self Government Act to specifically prevent the ACT from making laws which would permit voluntary assisted dying. We want 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 spent years urging the ACT Government to provide pill testing, and after multiple positive evaluations of trials at Groovin the Moo, we believe it's time to commit to permanent pill testing for major festivals. Experience around the world has shown pill testing is the quickest and most effective way of improving people’s understanding of the risks of drug use. It saves lives by supporting disposal of substances that may be lethal or aren't what people expected.

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

The ACT Greens want a fully funded, public, secular education system to meet the needs of ACT students in all their diversity. We want funding based on a formula that supports equitable educational opportunities and is allocated in a transparent, accountable and needs-based manner, such as is outlined in the original Gonski principles. That said, we do recognise the value of, and need for, more pastoral care in our schools, and support increased funding for secular youth workers and counsellors.

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 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. With a better public transport and active travel network, we can reduce our reliance on cars and improve our health and environment.

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. We’re proud to have proven that world-leading climate action is possible in Australia, powering the ACT by 100% renewable electricity. We can now focus on other emissions, such as from transport and gas, and create Australia’s first climate-resilient, green economy and community, while also supporting individuals, businesses, and the community sector through the transition.

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. We must 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?

By building communities, not prisons, we can act to ensure that we support individuals to break the criminal justice cycle, and keep our community safe. Justice Reinvestment and investing in programs that support people to address their life’s challenges can help turn around the rising imprisonment rates in our city. The Greens believe that reducing recidivism means less crime, fewer victims, reduced social and financial costs and a safer and more inclusive community.

Definitely yes

Mostly yes

Mostly no

Definitely no

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

The Greens believe we need to ensure drug law reform responds to evidence about what works. We need experts from health, the legal fraternity, law enforcement, First Nations peoples and substance users with lived experience to guide us. A new and ongoing Ministerial Advisory Council for Drug Law Reform incorporating this expertise will be tasked with developing new, innovative and responsive legislation and practices to establish a genuinely advanced system of harm minimisation.

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

The ACT Greens strongly support both the existing Warrumbul Circle Sentencing Court Circle for children and the Galambany Circle Sentencing process. First Nations people engaged with the justice system are often victims themselves. It should be noted however that these types of Courts do not default to reduced sentences as a matter of course, but instead seek to provide more holistic sentencing aimed at reducing reoffending while also supporting community safety.

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. With increased investment, and the right approach to genuine community policing, the ACT will be a safer and more just city, with reduced offending and enhanced crime prevention. Recent increases to ACT Policing have allowed better engagement with families with domestic and family violence, and attending to people with mental health crises, for example.

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 understand that the strength and beauty of our community lies in its diversity. Everyone deserves to feel welcome to participate with confidence in the shaping of our collective identity and culture. Too many feel unsafe, excluded, isolated, or not welcome; or are unable to fully participate due to the design of our streets, buildings, and public spaces. To ensure the ACT is a place for everyone, we must invest in programs and infrastructure that enable everyone to participate.

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.)

Transport problems should be solved through investment in public transport, walking, cycling, road safety improvements and electric vehicles. Over the last decade, government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on new and wider roads, but congestion keeps growing. Road use is the biggest contributor to ACT greenhouse gas emissions. The Greens want 20% of the roads budget to be spent on walking and cycling, allowing government to catch up on 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 community housing properties, which will be delivered by non-profit community housing providers.