John Bailey Greens Candidate for Ballina

I challenge the other candidates in the Ballina electorate to be up front with voters and put all their donations on the internet before the election. In the past, the major parties have received large donations that are not made public until months after an election.

The Greens believe the public has a right to know who is funding political parties before they cast
their ballot on March 24

The Greens candidate for the State Seat of Ballina is John Bailey. John, an ex-barrister, now a successful author, holds qualifications in law, education and economics. He lives in Mullumbimby with his wife Anne.

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Since moving to Byron Shire in 2000, John had published three books: The White Divers of Broome released in 2001, The Lost German Slave Girl , 2003 and Mr Stuart's Track (August 2006).

John believes that the voters of Ballina are ready for a change. ‘Because the National Party's fortunes are tied to the apron strings of the Liberal Party, a vote for the National Party means a vote for an opposition which has been captured by the hard right. Sinister and publicity-shy forces hover in the background of the coalition ready to introduce extreme policies should they gain government. At the same time, the Iemma Labor Government is tired and faltering, plagued by corruption allegations and carrying the baggage of the incompetent ex-Premier Carr.

The people of Ballina are concerned about global warming, rocketing petrol prices while public transport declines, the problems facing small farmers, education, workplace conditions, the cost of pre-school, health, welfare and the expense of housing. The Greens are very strong on all these issues. ‘The task before me,' says John ‘is over the next six months to get the Green platform better known. The Greens have sensible, practical policies to present to the public, which provide sound and fair solutions to the problems the electorate face. I am looking forward to the challenge of a hectic election campaign, meeting as many people as possible and debating the issues.'

John was awarded the Centenary Medal by the Australian Government for services to literature in 2003 . The White Divers of Broome describes the dangers and romance of the pearl shell industry in Broome during the early years of last century. The Lost German Slave Girl tells the amazing true story of a slave in Louisiana who claimed to be free because she was a German woman illegally taken into bondage. Mr Stuart's Track is a psychological study of Australia 's greatest explorer, John McDouall Stuart. More information on John Bailey's writing may be seen at
www.jbailey.info