Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I believe we are joined on the line right now.
Hopefully I've got the line correct. Joining us on the
line right now is Billy Barton, the Greens candidate for Johnston.
Good morning to you.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Billy, Morning Katie.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
All right, we've got seven minutes, Billy, and a series
of questions to get through.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Are you ready, I'm ready.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Let's do it, all right, Billy? Why did you decide
to put your hand up to run for the seat
of Johnston.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Thanks for the question, Katie. Like many people, I've just
felt so exhausted and set up with the major parties
for years. It felt like they haven't been making decisions
in the best interest of the public, and it's been
sort of baffling to me. I thought, I've got two choices.
I can completely disengage from politics like a lot of people,
and I totally get why they do that. I mean,
(00:49):
it's hard to tell the difference between the major parties sometimes,
or I could put my hand up and offer an alternative.
Politics affects all of our lives, whether it's grocery prices,
rent controls, or bigger choices that are made on behalf
of all of us. So I couldn't just sit on
the sidelines anymore. So I can't afford to have career
politicians or people who see themselves as entitled to these
(01:11):
positions make decisions for us anymore. And look, Katie, I'm
a small business owner, I'm a renter, I'm an engineer
with a massive hex set. I know what it's like
to not think you might not ever be able to
afford to buy your own home. And it's not just
theoretical to me. I need policies to work better for
me as well. And I love our community in Johnston
(01:32):
and I want to offer them broader representation and be
their alternative to the major parties.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So, Billy, based on your sort of work experience and
also your experience in the community, why do you think
you're the best person for the role?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Put simply, Katie, we're in an integrity crisis in the
territory laboring the colp are both funded by gambling, gas
and alcohol companies as well as property developers. I mean,
we have no lobbyist register. It makes me wonder whether
they're really acting in the best interest of our community
or simply acting for their donuts. I think we need
(02:09):
real people like me who are connected to their community.
I mean someone who's facing the same issues. I love
the territory. I love living in Milna, I love going
to the market Plains footy, but I can't deny we've
got some more challenges to work out. Like ideally we
can do this together and bring the community along. That's
just not what's happening with our current representations. So I
(02:31):
know that I can be a genuine voice for the
community because I'm so engaged with the community. I play
for a local team, I'm heavily involved in our credible
art scene up here, and I think it's time we
had someone who is actually in touch with the needs
of the people they'll be representing. But we don't just
need real people. We need better rules, and that means
a ban on corporate donations, a public diary for politicians
(02:55):
so we know who they are meeting with and who's
influencing the choices they make. And we need a lobby register.
I mean last year we had a gas lobbyist working
for the Chief Minister. That just doesn't pass the pub test.
The Green's policies are informed by evidence and the community
and not corporate influencers. We don't take donations from corporations
looking to buy influence. We honestly act for just the community.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Billy, what do you see as being the biggest issues
in the electorate Based on the door knocking that you've done.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Well, based on all the conversations we're having at the
Rapid Creek Markets, I know it won't come as a
surprise to hear that one of the biggest issues we're
facing in Johnston is community safety. I've been broken into
we've had cars stolen. I know exactly how it feel,
and we have to have compassion for people who don't
feel safe. But I also know that people in our
(03:50):
community are really struggling. Something needs to change, and it's
just not as simple as locking people up. I mean,
we can't punish people out of poverty, homelessness, hunger and trauma.
And when people talk about crime, there's a massive focus
on property crime, but the reality is sixty five percent
of the men in jail are there for domestic violence offenses.
(04:13):
You know, in the MT we're breaking all the wrong records.
I'm talking highest rates of DV, highest rates of homelessness,
and the public housing weightlist is up to ten years long.
If we want safe communities, I think we need to
focus on what the people need right now. Our green
S team has a tangible plan to start to address this,
(04:33):
and it's better use services, it's more crisis beds, it's
rent controls, the actually investing in breaking the cycle of incarceration.
These are the things that we can put in place
now that will make a real difference to the people
of our community.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Billy, in terms of Saint Vinnie's moving into coconut growth, now,
I know that it doesn't fall into your electorate now,
but it is something that's been raised with us as
a concerned by some of our listeners that do live
in your electorate that you've put your hand up for.
Do you support that move of Saint Vinie's into coconut growth.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Look, I really understand the concerns that the people have
and that they fear if they haven't been listened to
on this issue. But again, Katie, if we want to
increase community safety, we need good services for people who
need the most. We need them to be close to
transport and community services. Like the site of Osenhen House
is right near Alarician Nation, the shops and the buses.
(05:32):
But I mean it's so important for them to be
proper community consultation so we get the best outcomes for
everyone Ultimately. Ultimately this is likely to be decided before
the electro and so I think it's more of a
question for Brent Potter and Natasha Files well.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
And look, we have spoken to them about it and
we will continue to do Billy, I want to ask
a big one for the electorate as well as do
you support the development of gas, particularly on shore gas.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Look, I don't support onshore gas expansion at the moment
we have on your gas, but I don't think we
should be letting foreign gas companies take our gas and
pay barely any tax or royalties. We're subsidizing them with
tax payer money. Three point five billion is going to
Middle arm when we have the worst homelessness rate, the
(06:20):
worst domestics, family and sexual violence rate, and as I said,
a public housing weight list it's almost ten years long.
I think we need to use that money to transition
to solar, and we need to do it cleverly so
that those workers who are currently employed in the gas
sector so they're not left behind. It's clear we can't
we can't really afford to open up any new fossil
(06:41):
fuel projects. If we're to avoid climate cystastrophe. And at
the moment, when I play footy in ninety percent humidity
on a thirty five degree day, I honestly wonder how
much longer it's possible for people to play sports in
the territory.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Billy, we've only got thirty seconds left, very quickly. Have
you decided your preferences yet?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Look, I think there's a perception that we need to
clear up. People think that parties are trading preferences or
giving yours away. But nobody can decide where your vote
goes except for you. It's flows in the order you
put in the boxes. So if you like me, you
should vote for me first, and if I get the
least votes and get knocked out, your full vote goes
to the person you put second, and so on. So
(07:23):
we're really lucky that we have full preferential voting here.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Billy, about fifteen seconds, Why should people vote for you?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Look, I think that it's time that we, you know,
got rid of these major parties. And I'm a small
business owner, I'm a renter, I'm an artist and engineer.
I know it exactly what it feels like to feel
the day to day struggles and I think that we
get rid of the old gar and start implementing policies
that will work.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Billy, we have run out of time. Thank you very
much for having a chat with us this morning and
all the best.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Thanks very much for having me on Katie.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Thank you
I believe we are joined on the line right now.
Hopefully I've got the line correct. Joining us on the
line right now is Billy Barton, the Greens candidate for Johnston.
Good morning to you.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Billy, Morning Katie.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
All right, we've got seven minutes, Billy, and a series
of questions to get through.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Are you ready, I'm ready.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Let's do it, all right, Billy? Why did you decide
to put your hand up to run for the seat
of Johnston.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Thanks for the question, Katie. Like many people, I've just
felt so exhausted and set up with the major parties
for years. It felt like they haven't been making decisions
in the best interest of the public, and it's been
sort of baffling to me. I thought, I've got two choices.
I can completely disengage from politics like a lot of people,
and I totally get why they do that. I mean,
(00:49):
it's hard to tell the difference between the major parties sometimes,
or I could put my hand up and offer an alternative.
Politics affects all of our lives, whether it's grocery prices,
rent controls, or bigger choices that are made on behalf
of all of us. So I couldn't just sit on
the sidelines anymore. So I can't afford to have career
politicians or people who see themselves as entitled to these
(01:11):
positions make decisions for us anymore. And look, Katie, I'm
a small business owner, I'm a renter, I'm an engineer
with a massive hex set. I know what it's like
to not think you might not ever be able to
afford to buy your own home. And it's not just
theoretical to me. I need policies to work better for
me as well. And I love our community in Johnston
(01:32):
and I want to offer them broader representation and be
their alternative to the major parties.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So, Billy, based on your sort of work experience and
also your experience in the community, why do you think
you're the best person for the role?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Put simply, Katie, we're in an integrity crisis in the
territory laboring the colp are both funded by gambling, gas
and alcohol companies as well as property developers. I mean,
we have no lobbyist register. It makes me wonder whether
they're really acting in the best interest of our community
or simply acting for their donuts. I think we need
(02:09):
real people like me who are connected to their community.
I mean someone who's facing the same issues. I love
the territory. I love living in Milna, I love going
to the market Plains footy, but I can't deny we've
got some more challenges to work out. Like ideally we
can do this together and bring the community along. That's
just not what's happening with our current representations. So I
(02:31):
know that I can be a genuine voice for the
community because I'm so engaged with the community. I play
for a local team, I'm heavily involved in our credible
art scene up here, and I think it's time we
had someone who is actually in touch with the needs
of the people they'll be representing. But we don't just
need real people. We need better rules, and that means
a ban on corporate donations, a public diary for politicians
(02:55):
so we know who they are meeting with and who's
influencing the choices they make. And we need a lobby register.
I mean last year we had a gas lobbyist working
for the Chief Minister. That just doesn't pass the pub test.
The Green's policies are informed by evidence and the community
and not corporate influencers. We don't take donations from corporations
looking to buy influence. We honestly act for just the community.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Billy, what do you see as being the biggest issues
in the electorate Based on the door knocking that you've done.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Well, based on all the conversations we're having at the
Rapid Creek Markets, I know it won't come as a
surprise to hear that one of the biggest issues we're
facing in Johnston is community safety. I've been broken into
we've had cars stolen. I know exactly how it feel,
and we have to have compassion for people who don't
feel safe. But I also know that people in our
(03:50):
community are really struggling. Something needs to change, and it's
just not as simple as locking people up. I mean,
we can't punish people out of poverty, homelessness, hunger and trauma.
And when people talk about crime, there's a massive focus
on property crime, but the reality is sixty five percent
of the men in jail are there for domestic violence offenses.
(04:13):
You know, in the MT we're breaking all the wrong records.
I'm talking highest rates of DV, highest rates of homelessness,
and the public housing weightlist is up to ten years long.
If we want safe communities, I think we need to
focus on what the people need right now. Our green
S team has a tangible plan to start to address this,
(04:33):
and it's better use services, it's more crisis beds, it's
rent controls, the actually investing in breaking the cycle of incarceration.
These are the things that we can put in place
now that will make a real difference to the people
of our community.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Billy, in terms of Saint Vinnie's moving into coconut growth, now,
I know that it doesn't fall into your electorate now,
but it is something that's been raised with us as
a concerned by some of our listeners that do live
in your electorate that you've put your hand up for.
Do you support that move of Saint Vinie's into coconut growth.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Look, I really understand the concerns that the people have
and that they fear if they haven't been listened to
on this issue. But again, Katie, if we want to
increase community safety, we need good services for people who
need the most. We need them to be close to
transport and community services. Like the site of Osenhen House
is right near Alarician Nation, the shops and the buses.
(05:32):
But I mean it's so important for them to be
proper community consultation so we get the best outcomes for
everyone Ultimately. Ultimately this is likely to be decided before
the electro and so I think it's more of a
question for Brent Potter and Natasha Files well.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
And look, we have spoken to them about it and
we will continue to do Billy, I want to ask
a big one for the electorate as well as do
you support the development of gas, particularly on shore gas.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Look, I don't support onshore gas expansion at the moment
we have on your gas, but I don't think we
should be letting foreign gas companies take our gas and
pay barely any tax or royalties. We're subsidizing them with
tax payer money. Three point five billion is going to
Middle arm when we have the worst homelessness rate, the
(06:20):
worst domestics, family and sexual violence rate, and as I said,
a public housing weight list it's almost ten years long.
I think we need to use that money to transition
to solar, and we need to do it cleverly so
that those workers who are currently employed in the gas
sector so they're not left behind. It's clear we can't
we can't really afford to open up any new fossil
(06:41):
fuel projects. If we're to avoid climate cystastrophe. And at
the moment, when I play footy in ninety percent humidity
on a thirty five degree day, I honestly wonder how
much longer it's possible for people to play sports in
the territory.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Billy, we've only got thirty seconds left, very quickly. Have
you decided your preferences yet?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Look, I think there's a perception that we need to
clear up. People think that parties are trading preferences or
giving yours away. But nobody can decide where your vote
goes except for you. It's flows in the order you
put in the boxes. So if you like me, you
should vote for me first, and if I get the
least votes and get knocked out, your full vote goes
to the person you put second, and so on. So
(07:23):
we're really lucky that we have full preferential voting here.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Billy, about fifteen seconds, Why should people vote for you?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Look, I think that it's time that we, you know,
got rid of these major parties. And I'm a small
business owner, I'm a renter, I'm an artist and engineer.
I know it exactly what it feels like to feel
the day to day struggles and I think that we
get rid of the old gar and start implementing policies
that will work.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Billy, we have run out of time. Thank you very
much for having a chat with us this morning and
all the best.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Thanks very much for having me on Katie.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Thank you
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