Comments from candidates

None of the comments returned to LGB Alliance Australia from the survey were abusive or rude.

Our questions required Yes (Y) or No (N) answers because legislators do not get to vote ‘maybe’. Questions left unanswered are marked, below, with an ‘x.’ So ‘YNxY’ means the candidate answered the questions 1. Yes; 2. No; 3. skipped; and 4. Yes.

Here are all the written comments from the candidates, without changes or redactions …

Michael Ormsby (Greens)
answered: YNNY

Theres nothing to be gained by taking rights from others. Its sad we feel the need to spell it out and to defend personal choices. Dignity for all where it doesnt infringe on the dignity of others.

If others on the other hand feel undignified this should be reasoned on a rational needs based assessment starting from personal protecting the persons right to their body onward

Sharon Gibson (Independent)
answered: YNxY

With question 3, it depends on the age of the child.

Esther Gleixner (Greens)

answered: YxxY

Was difficult to answer the above questions with only a yes or no. So much depends - and can't always have a one size fits all answer. With question 1. yes I think a woman should be able to ask for a female personal carer - but would be best to ask the woman. I assume that would be her preference, and if so she should have the right to that choice (not me assume). With Question 2. on the face of it, a natal man should not be detained in a women's prison. But on the other hand, there are violent women in women's prisons - and if the natal male now identifies as a woman that would have to be taken into consideration to be fair. With question 3. Of course government policy and schools should provide and support an environment that is free and open for young people's gender identity to develop naturally without pressure in any direction and just be allowed to be themselves. Having worked in schools as a Social Worker this could include offering support and information for any concerns that parents may have and reassure them that their kids are safe and won't be judged one way or another in the school. Zero tolerance to bullying. I suppose I am saying first - don't put pressure on kids to categorise themselves, just let them be themselves and support them making a free choice when they are ready and when the time comes. It will be a little bit different for everyone. And if parents need support through this process, the School and other qualified personnel can help and refer them. Question 4. I only invite people I want to events I organise - so of course gay men and lesbian women can invite whoever they please. Have to say - I was the only hetero woman at an all male gay 50th birthday party of a very dear friend and had a ball!! Gay guys really know how to party!!! Haha!!

Michael White (Family First Party)
answered: YNNY

With respect to Q4, anyone should be able to hold a Male only or Female only event, their sexuality is by-the-by.

Angelique Matias (Freedom Party)
answered: YNNY

We need to keep Gender Ideology out of our Schools, and Gay men and Lesbian woman should have a safe space to hold community events.

Sally Gibson (Independent)
answered: YNNY

Look forward to the results!

Anthony Cursio (Liberal Democratic Party)
answered: YNNY

As someone who has gay, lesbian, bisexual friends & family members, I'm always interested to hear the advocacy & work of the LGB community. After reviewing your website I see that we share the same view and concerns that you state regarding gender identity and believe that these ideologies are dangerous & confusing to our community in particular children. Adults are free to be who they choose to be, however no one should ever force said topics or beliefs on another, especially the vulnerable. A great concern for myself is the strides in equality that the LBG community have made over the last few decades only to be undermind by a fringe ideology/movement. Again thank you for taking the time to reach out and should you wish to connect and discuss this matter further, I would welcome the chance to explore this conversation further. All the best, Anthony

Chris Burson (Australian Values Party)
answered: YNNY

Firstly i think the party should be able to have conscience votes on certain topics. So if you dislike my answers, hold that against me. Not my party. They are welcome to hold their own views.

I don't think government should be as involved in people's lives as they are. Primary schools personally I think should be just playing as children and anything sexual should be highschool. Also. Not by teachers. They're there for education. Social workers should be available for students to go to outside of normal standard subjects. Teachers have too much pressure already to raise kids.

Men and women only events I have no issues with. Any supermarket and event can refuse the rights of entry for not showing a bag. If you advertise a gay, male only event. What's the concern? If there's a sugar ray concert on and you don't like the band. Don't go. This shouldn't be an issue government needs to be involved in surely. Want to have a female only event? Cool. Enjoy. Live and let live.

Thanks for reaching out. Hope you can find some candidates you can get behind if that's me, great. If not I hope you find someone. Good luck this election!

Richard Peppard (Liberal Democratic Party)
answered: YNNY

I don't need a dictionary or a biology degree to know what a woman is. Trans-activism threatens women's rights, safety and sports. It even threatens young gays suggesting they are in the wrong body.

Denise Ryan (ALP)
answered: YNxY

All questions are complex and individual. Particularly q 3. I don’t think I can be know. I support LGBTIQ people being like any other person in the community, to be rea\spected just as they are. Young children are usually guided by parents and at what age that changes how could I say

David Wright (Freedom Party)
answered: YNNY

One of my sons is gay and we love him and his partner very much. We are sympathetic to the prejudices they have had to endure in the past and are thankful that many if these prejudices are now waning. Given that though we don’t think that they should be given special treatment not afforded to other people. We want them to be loved, respected and treated like any other person in society.

Cameron Liston (Independent)
answered: YNNY

There are only 2 genders, because ... SCIENCE

Tamasin Ramsay (Animal Justice Party)
answered: YNYY

There are so many variables it's difficult to answer yes and no. The discussion is complex as we humans are complex. However, I appreciate yes or no answers are required in this survey. I can assert that I do my best to respect the dignity, rights, liberties and wishes of all people, so long as no-one else is harmed in the process. I also acknowledge I have inherent biases some of which I may be unaware. I identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and invite and welcome kind corrections and comments from my fellow humans as part of my lifelong education and learning.

Felicity Frederico (Independent)
answered: YxxY

Some of these questions are not simply yes or no questions. They are a little more complicated. I will be guided by expert opinion, science and the medical advice. I believe in evidence based on informed decision making. I will work with the Victorian Pride Lobby and other relevant peak bodies on any initiatives recommended in this area.

Matt Bansemer (Independent)
answered: YNNY

Keep up the good work :)

Anastacia Ntouni (Freedom Party)
answered: YNNY

I believe that everyone should be accepted, loved and respected, regardless of their differences or sexual orientation and preference.

The bigger picture here is to create unity and to be loving to one other rather than create issues that divide us.

Marcia Simons (Animal Justice Party)
answered: YNNY

I believe children need parental guidance up until a certain age.

Steven Smith (Freedom Party)
answered: xxxx [Skipped answering all questions.]

Thank you for your contact.

I’m sorry for the delay as I was interstate with limited wifi.

If we were to be elected, rest assured our policies will be put forward, in a positive way.

www.freedomparty.net.au

Regards Steve -candidate for Melbourne.

Rajvir Singh Sagoo (Independent)
answered: YNYY

I am been working in hospital. I often meet people who been target of harassment and bullying for their way of life. I always support whatever they want to do as long as they not harming others.

Geoff Collins (Companions and Pets Party)
answered: YNxY

I don't fully understand Q3

Naomi Adams (Animal Justice Party)
answered: YYYY

As a bisexual woman I am a member of the LGBTIQ community and a proud trans ally

Simon Gnieslaw (Independent)
answered: YxxY

1. Anyone should be allowed to have their preferences on who they feel comfortable with in seeing their body.

2. This is a strange question. It does not matter what sex someone was assigned at birth is, where a prisoner ends up should be subject to a risk assessment. If that person presents a threat specifically to women due to their history, then they should not have access to women, even if that person also happens to be a woman themselves. There are various options for keeping prisoners separate within the same physical facility.

3. A person wishing to make a gender declaration should be able to do so at any age without needing parental or governmental permission. I don't really see what it has to do with the government, it is none of their business really. People should be free to do what they want. My only interest is to make sure that people, especially young people, are well supported to make their own decision.

4. Individuals should be free to choose who they do and don't associate with in private. I don't particularly like clubs which discriminate based on gender (for example, the Melbourne Club), but if they do, it's not the type of club I would want to be in anyway. There could also be context to why a club requires gender limits, for example if it is a support group for women who feel afraid of people who present as male. Or a dating event, where everyone who attends is expected to be open to a certain activity.

Michael Doyle (Independent)
answered: YYNY

The question "Should government policy to affirm a young person's declared gender beliefs include affirming, against parental wishes, gender declarations of children at primary and secondary schools?" was very poorly worded ... Also, a simple 'Yes' or 'No' does not cover all relevant issues.

Craig Reid (Companions and Pets Party)
answered: YYYY

The Companions and Pets Party are an inclusive party that is standing to protect an individual's choice, whether it is pet ownership, dietary preferences, sexual preferences or gender identity.

Laurence Pincini (Independent)
answered: YNNN

If we wish to be all inclusive then we need to include all. Governments have a role in schools to provide support to all.

Kammy Cordner Hunt (Independent)
answered: xxxx [Skipped answering all questions.]

These questions do not really invite a yes or no answer, so I am sorry but I feel it would not be legitimate for me to respond thus.

However, I would like to thank you for your initiative in seeking the opinions of candidates to help you decide your vote.

I would really enjoy being able to meet with you and discussing these issues at greater length to understand why you have asked these very specific questions and how you feel about these specific issues. I am sure I would have much to learn from your perspective.

Thanks again Yours sincerely

Kammy Cordner Hunt Independent Candidate Eildon Electorate Vic State 2022

John O’Brien (Independent)
answered: YNNY

I believe people should be free to make their own choices but that they should also respect the rights of others who may not believe as they do.

Clarke Martin (Independent)
answered: xxxx [Skipped answering all questions.]

I support the LGB Alliance. I have chosen not to answer the questions as I would like to understand in more detail the context in relation to elderly, disabled and womans prisons. I am also interested in the issue of Primary school children and exclusive male only and female only community events. I have an open mind to the 4 questions but do not feel I have enough information to make a yes no answer.

David Vincent (Independent)
answered: YNNY

I believe all adult Victorians have the right to host community events. I also believe that it is only reasonable that the host can specify who, what, where and when for the event [within the law].

All people who require a personal carer have the right to request a certain gender or other qualifications. The caree has a right of veto over a carer in relation to a personal task, For example if I ever were to catch a sexually transmitted disease I would prefer female medical assistance. Although I believe that it is not the Governments' job to assign or pidgeon hole gender identity; it is the Governments' job to protect the rights of all Victorians including children and teenagers. I believe teenagers and young peoplehave the right [and have always had the right] to explore their own sexuality and experiment with it [see Shakespeare]. I don't believe this right extends to non-adults having optional gender surgery.

The community right that children be cared for and raised well may mean intervention is required. In considering making an intervention the following views should be canvassed. The child, the child's parents and those in-loco parentis, and any already involved professionals. An unanimous decision including a GP can be implemented without further ado. In other cases using the principles in the Victorian Childrens Acts a decision could be made by a Magistrate or Coroner. Any decision made in this case is also binding on all Governments and their agents eg schools and teachers. It may involve provision of facilities or overheads. I was in grade one public school with a thalidomide child and her mother attended school to assist her with her hygiene and feeding needs.

In summary, I believe in all the [lawful] human rights to freedom and all the [lawful] human rights of freedom from poverty, homelessness, torture, shaming etc

Damian Willis (Independent)
answered: YNNY

I am concerned about the safety risks of long term hormone use, and believe gender reassignment surgery is genital mutilation. I am very concerned about the horrible stories of detranistioners and their medical complications, parents should be fully informed on and gender affirmation support their children are getting and their should be full informed consent when it comes to hormone treatment or cosmetic surgery, I do not believe the majority of people understand the risks associated with different cosmetic surgeries.

Lynnette Saloumi (Independent)
answered: YNxY

Q 4 Perhaps the question could be posed better so I could answer appropriately. I believe everyone should be treated as equals. I find some groups - and that includes certain political parties - are focussed on creating a divisive society instead of an inclusive one. As long as people treat each other with respect and no-one gets hurt I don't think its up to me to judge what people can or cannot do - purely on their gender, or sexual preferences. Every time society assigns another name to a particular group it seems to create conflict. Live and Let live.

Leonie Blackwell (Freedom Party)
answered: YNNY

I think it is important that we honour the individual’s needs to feel safe, heard, and respected.

Dominique Murphy (Independent)
answered: YNNY

The Victorian Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 is not balanced since it disallows counselling or a referral to anyone to talk through the decision which can be life altering dependent upon the degree of the decision. Unless the circumstances are exceptional primary age children may not fully understand the impacts of such a decision particularly without being presented a balanced view. Parents and caregivers should not be excluded from involvement with such decisions as is the current Victorian Education Dept policy. Identity is a complex issue and needs thorough exploration and discussion before radical change occurs.

Michael Abelman (Liberal Democrats)
answered: YYNY

Victimless crime should not be punished