Keeping the parties honest on discrimination
This election statement by independent Senate candidate, Dino Ottavi, was submitted to the TGLRG for distribution amongst LGBT Tasmanians.
INTRODUCTION
In 2004 I stood for the Senate as an Independent Candidate and I came 9th in my primary vote but I was below the line. In fact I had the highest primary vote for any below the line Senate Independent Candidate in the whole of Australia. In that election I had first preferences from the Greens and second preferences from the ALP.
In this upcoming Federal election I have a box above the line and I have also an excellent chance to see that the sixth seat is within my reach, and away from the Family First Party. This is so because I once again have first preferences from the Greens and second preferences from the ALP.
The simple fact is that in this election a political party - Family First, or and Independent - myself, may win the last or sixth Senate seat.
MY VIEWS
In thinking about my beliefs I have considered social, economic, physical, environmental, spiritual and political ideals in the context of the issue of the common good. Implicit in seeking the common good is the need to consider those less fortunate, the marginalised, the sick and the forgotten. It is through ensuring their prosperity that we measure our own success as a community.
My beliefs do not take into consideration the desires of political parties. Foremost in my thinking are principles of social justice, egalitarianism, humanitarianism, compassion, community, love, faith and hope in all areas of our human condition.
In my time as Training Officer with the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commission I had the opportunity to undertake workshops, training courses and seminars in all areas of discrimination law. It became apparent that there was certainly a real problem in respect to sexual orientation, gender identity, and same-sex relationships to mention a few. As a Community Advocate I have represented a dear lesbian friend from very discriminating work environment.
I can relate to this direct discrimination given that I had very negative experiences as a young migrant background person growing up in Tasmania. I was spat at, kicked, punched, humiliated, intimidated and ridiculed only because I looked different. I often experienced this when taking public transport, when shopping, when attending school and so on. I have in fact used my experiences to teach people tolerance, acceptance and to value differences in my training courses as an Industrial Advocate and Community Advocate.
INDEPENDENCE OF THE SENATE
The Senate must be more independent and not have political parties dominating it. The last 3 years have indicated that political parties are more likely to be dangerous when they dominate the Senate. This would be so with any party, anytime.
The above the line preference deals should not continue and there should be a more democratic way for people to make sure that they make the preferences that they want in selecting Senators. A simple way to achieve this is to do away with above the line voting and have voters simply place a number 1 to 6 in the box next to the names of candidates that nominate for the Senate. This way it does not matter how many candidates nominate because people will only have to put 1 to 6 on the ballot paper. This simple system is one thing that I will push for if elected.
If elected I will also use all of my resources to have other Independent Senate Candidates enter the Senate.
OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND IDEAS
Discrimination Laws - There is a need to change Commonwealth laws closer to the proactive and inclusive laws in Tasmania.
This inlcudes:
outlawing discrimination and incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;
ensuring that partners in same-sex and different-sex relationships have the same entitlements in legislation governing both private superannuation schemes and those schemes established for Commonwealth employees;
have the same entitlements in legislation governing both private superannuation schemes and those schemes established for Commonwealth employees;
ensuring that employment entitlements and conditions, taxation, social security, aged care and Medicare services and entitlements are similar both to same sex as well as different sex relationships;
Family law and parenting, and other discrimination against same-sex relationships.
The appauling statistics relating to mental illness, homelessness, suicides in rural and remote areas in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people is a veruy black mark in our society and must be addressed.
All discrminatory practices must be outlawed including in Foreign Affairs, Military Service, Immigration and Asylum seekers, Transgender and intersex issues.
There must be nationally funded strategy to tackle homophobic and transphobic violence, suicide, education, and health issues.
It is imperative to ensure that Commonwealth Government funding and consultation be implemented with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities through the establishment of community liaison committees. There must be ongoing and appropriate levels of funding of, and consultation with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex peak bodies on the same basis as other organisations representing disadvantaged minority interests.
Conclusion
I am a spiritual progressive Catholic. I am a great believer in the late Pope John Paul I (who was the first Pope born in the 20th Century) who rained as Pope for only 33 days (from August to September 1978) untill he died mysteriously.
A deeply humble and progressive man, he was implementing a variety of reforms in the Catholic Church that would see the granting the Pope's blessing on issues such as contraception, helping the disabled and for the Church to have a mission in life to serve the poor.
He believed that God's love was all encompassing and was not exclusive to any one people or group. He felt that following the example of God, who desires and loves human life, he blessed all who acted with good intentions and in good faith. He felt that all people acting in good faith and with good intentions had God's blessing.
So my spiritual side prevents me from discriminating against anyone - including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. In fact it is my faith that provides me with the resolve to fight any discrimination and injustice in the community. Thus my wish to stand and win the Senate seat instead of Family First, who have very right wing and reggressive policies on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex.
Dino Ottavi
Senate Independent Candidate
www.dino-ottavi.com
dottavisenateindep@bigpond.com
mobile - 0427 864 289