Waterworld election - parties and candidates worksheet

Updated 6 Jan 2015
Damn the Dam Party Positive Negative Interesting
Believes that the construction of the dam will destroy the native habitat of a number of ACT animals and birds as well as some rare plant life. Advocates the introduction of a series of water conservation methods such as compulsory run-off tanks in private homes and the continuation of some water restrictions forever. Also believes in removal of all subsidies for domestic and commercial water use which would result in massive rates increases but also in considerable water savings making the dam unnecessary.      
Independent Positive Negative Interesting
Advocates buying water from New South Wales as a compromise. Is an avid recreational shooter however and, conceding that the dam may attract an interesting range of ducks, is considering lobbying for the legalisation of hunting in the ACT.      
Damned If You Do and Damned If You Don't Party Positive Negative Interesting
Concedes that building a dam may attract tourists to the ACT (as the party has always supported jobs growth schemes especially for youth) but also shows some support for the environmental lobby's position. Is concerned to ensure that proper consultation is undertaken before a firm decision is made. Is not opposed to the notion of increased water rates but only in so far as no one notices them. Refuses to commit itself on the grounds that it may have to change its mind one day.      
Damned Good Party Positive Negative Interesting
Strongly opposed to the increase of water rates especially for the business community and the farming sector. Believes the construction of a dam will increase employment in the ACT and will alleviate the plight of local farmers still suffering from the drought. Envisages tourism activities connected with the dam, such as international water-skiing competitions, which will bring more people to Canberra and assist the local economy.      
Pippy Rainwater (Dr) - Damn the Dam Party Positive Negative Interesting
Pippy Rainwater Pippy was born in Canberra and obtained her PhD from the Australian National University in 1980. Her thesis topic 'Sisters in the Sewers - a feminist analysis of the ecology of Edwardian England' was very well received in alternative circles. She has worked in the community sector for the past 15 years, mainly in Environment Centres around the country and was instrumental in the campaign to save the Franklin River in 1982. She has recently become involved in the dam issue through her concern at water wastage in Canberra and the apparent failure of the community to take responsibility for its future and that of its children. Pippy has one daughter.      
Peter P. Pumpkineater - Damn the Dam Party Positive Negative Interesting
Peter P. Pumkineater

Peter comes from Sydney originally but loves Canberra for its rich wildlife and close proximity to the snowfields. An ardent naturalist since he was young, Peter is deeply concerned at the harm the construction of the dam could cause to a number of rare native species living in the area. He also agrees that Canberra should be on at least level two water restrictions forever. Peter works as a cook at a local vegetarian restaurant and is committed to the cause of animal liberation.

 

      
Joe Blow - Independent Positive Negative Interesting
Joe Blow Joe is an ordinary bloke who is entering politics in order to 'show these politicians what real life is about!'. Joe was born in Wangaratta, Victoria and moved to Canberra to start a locksmith apprenticeship in 1981. After obtaining his qualification, he started his own security company. His business has thrived and he now conducts security seminars for the public and community groups with interesting topics such as 'Shooting to Kill or Maim - Your Options as a Home Owner'. Married with two daughters, Joe's interests include hunting and cricket and he is an active member of the Tuggeranong Valley Lions Club. Joe is sick and tired of hearing the major parties talk about the dam and wishes they'd 'stop whingeing, buy the water from NSW and get on with their jobs'. He believes water restrictions have harmed small businesses such as plant nurseries.      
Ms Samantha Gauche - Damned If You Do and Damned If You Don't Party Positive Negative Interesting
Samantha Gauche Sam originates from the party's radical wing and developed her social conscience while at university where she became Branch Secretary for the 'Downtrodden Middleclass Whingers of the World' Students' Union and distributed 'Green Left' in Civic every Thursday for three years. She feels strongly about the environmental issues associated with the construction of the dam and would support a rise in water rates to facilitate water savings in the ACT as long as subsidies were available to disadvantaged, high water-use groups, in the community. She will, of course, support the dam if her running mate does.      
Garry Bootstraps - Damned If You Do and Damned If You Don't Party Positive Negative Interesting
Gerry Bootstraps Garry is from the party's more conservative wing. Both his father and grandfather were union organisers in their time. He grew up in Western Sydney and, after working as a builder's labourer for several years, put himself through university at night and completed a law degree in 1980. While sympathetic to environmental issues, he sees some benefit to the ACT in building the dam especially in the context of making the ACT's economy more competitive with the States and with the Northern Territory. While supporting the welfare state, he also has some support for personal initiative and endeavour if subtly done. He will, while maintaining his personal integrity, vote against the construction of the dam if Sam does.      
Wing Commander Bob Job (ex RAAF) - Damned Good Party Positive Negative Interesting
Bob Job Major Job has lived in Canberra for forty years. He and his wife Marjory have been active members of the Canberra business community having run their own newsagency since Bob's medical discharge from the Air Force in 1976. The Jobs live in Weetangera and have three children and four grandchildren. Their two sons have followed in their father's footsteps and joined the services. Major Job sees Canberra as a 'great place to raise a family' but is concerned at the ever encroaching government control of ordinary Canberrans' lives. He is especially worried about unemployment and is sure that building a dam would 'put a bit of bloody life back into the economy!'.      
Ken Drizabone - Damned Good Party Positive Negative Interesting
Ken Drizabone Ken has had a property on the outskirts of Canberra for ten years. Originally from Western NSW, he and his wife retired to their hobby farm in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren in Canberra and Sydney. Ken is very concerned about the impact of high water rates on his farm and those of his friends, especially following the drought, and believes that farmers are not sufficiently supported by the community in general and especially by the environmental lobby who he regards as 'a pretty useless mob anyway'.