We cannot afford to compromise on a position of no new or expanded coal, oil and gas extraction. 

We need to understand that the three main pillars of climate action are reducing emissions and caring for country, and for people: their jobs, health, and security.

Reducing emissions:

• Electrifying Bean.  Canberra leads the nation in roof solar and electric cars, but they are still out of reach for many. By electrifying Bean we can ease the cost of living and take meaningful climate action. 
• No new gas and coal. We need to take advantage of our space, sun and wind. There is money to be made and we should be making it. We need a solid and practical plan to transition to renewables that maximises the economic opportunities.
• No nuclear. The economics for nuclear power do not stack up for Australia. It would not assist us in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 due to long development timelines and existing legislative barriers - running ageing coal-fired power plants until after 2040 and building reactors on seven sites would increase total carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2bn tonnes.
• We need integrity in carbon accounting: it’s an own goal to fudge the numbers on emissions. We need genuine reductions. 

Caring for people

• Increase the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax and resource royalties in line with other OECD nations, to fairly fund Australian health, education and investment. We want Australian resources to pay for Australian services,  investment in renewables, workforce transition, climate adaptation, disaster relief and preparedness.
• I will call for the development of a national transition plan, together with affected people, communities and industry, to assist workers to reskill in renewable industries, and support communities facing economic and social disruption.
• Health and wellbeing. We need to develop a national strategy to deal with climate-related health impacts such as heat stress, tropical diseases, storm asthma, and mental health. 

Caring for country

• Disaster preparedness. Bean residents are far too familiar with the impacts of fire and flood. We need to ensure our community is prepared for the next natural disaster, including more support for emergency workers and volunteers,  and grassroots infrastructure for community fire preparedness.
• Protecting the environment.  

I will back Federal legislation that supports our natural environment and biodiversity, and push for the establishment of a properly funded Environmental Protection Agency. We value our natural environment including local camping, swimming and fishing spots and recognise the great work done by our Landcare volunteers. We want our kids to keep enjoying our bush into the future.

Difference to the Greens: I have great respect and admiration for the community Independent model, and that is the pathway that I have been part of. I admire the integrity, accountability and community connection of the Independents movement, and the priority of loyalty to the community rather than a party, with all the split loyalties and compromise that can bring in reality. 

In terms of policy, I am committed to working with all sides of politics towards climate action and not letting perfect be the enemy of better. Some things are non-negotiable - no new coal, oil and gas - while others will need deliberate, staged-transition planning.