PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY
Name: Dr Robin Gunning
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Political party: The Greens
Age: 70
Where do you live? North Tamworth.
What do you do for a living? I've recently retired as Principal Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries based in Tamworth.
How long have you lived in the Tamworth electorate? I've lived in Tamworth for 40 years.
What is the best part of living in the Tamworth electorate? The best thing about living in the Tamworth electorate is the easy access to the wonderful national parks of region.
Why are you running for the state seat of Tamworth? The main reason why I'm running in Tamworth is to tackle climate, before it is too late.
POLICY POSITIONS
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the Tamworth electorate?
The most pressing thing in this electorate is the issue of climate change. Summers are becoming dangerously hot and droughts are the norm. The climate is only going to get worse unless we do something.
What are your key election promises?
My key promise is to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions by, one, ensuring that there are no new coal mines or extensions and CSG projects in this electorate and, two, helping the region switch to non-polluting, renewable energy. We could be a renewable energy powerhouse, here in Tamworth.
What is your plan for Tamworth's long-term water security?
We have water security issues because of climate change. Our region has become drier and hotter. My plan is to tackle the source of the problem - climate change.
What is your plan to improve the electorate's health services?
More facilities and money are needed for local hospitals and medical practitioners to deal with the health effects of extreme heat waves. Heat waves are hidden killers of climate change. More "farm gate counsellors", this drought has tested the mental resilience of farmers like no other.
If elected, will you support mandated nurse-to-patient ratios for hospitals, including Multi-Purpose Services such as Manilla?
If elected I would support mandated nurse to patient ratios.
What are your key policies relating to the drought and drought recovery?
My plan and that of my party to tackle the drought is two pronged: to tackle the source of the problem - climate change - and to secondly to encourage more sustainable farming.
What are your key environmental policies?
Ecosystems are on the brink of collapse and new, effective laws are needed to protect native vegetation and biodiversity. National parks and reserves need further investment and the Greens will push for a target of 17 per cent of the state protected for nature conservation by 2030.
If elected, would you be willing to speak and vote against your party's policies if it would harm the electorate, or if it was clear that the majority of residents held a contrary belief?
Yes.
What is your message to the voters?
Vote for me. I am here to deal with the big issues that are threatening our future.