Candidates field the tough ones

By Russell Bennett
GEMBROOK voters asked their candidates the tough questions at a community forum last week in Emerald.
Sitting member Tammy Lobato squared off against her Liberal opponent, Brad Battin, and Democratic Labor Party candidate Larry Norman at St Mark’s Anglican church in a series of questions posed by local Christian leaders.
Each candidate was forced to provide unscripted answers to questions on abortion, euthanasia, the cervical cancer vaccine and the role of Christian teachers in Christian schools.
Tennessee-born Mr Norman shared his battles against alcohol addiction with the audience and explained how he turned his life around.
“After 20 years of getting drunk, I thought ‘enough is enough’,” he said.
“I met a lady, who is now my wife, and she taught me there was so much to live for.”
Mr Norman spoke passionately to the St Mark’s audience about local politicians needing to help drug addicts and alcoholics overcome their issues.
“People don’t have to hit rock bottom to change,” he said.
Mr Norman said “definitely not” when asked if he was a supporter of gay marriage.
He was also asked to provide his stance on abortion and replied by saying: “I’m pro life.
“My wife is a theatre nurse and she has shown me how precious young life is.”
Labor MP Tammy Lobato explained how she first became involved in politics.
“I went back to school, studying for a bachelor of community development degree after I had my first child, Archie, in 1997,” she said.
“I was approached by the Labor Party in my final year to stand.
“I initially declined, but eventually decided to run and for eight years I’ve been honoured and privileged to represent the people of Gembrook,” she said.
Ms Lobato had no trouble answering a question on the Christian education system, saying: “Christian-based schools should have the right to hire only Christian teachers.”
She was also quizzed on the issue of euthanasia and said: “If a bill (to allow it) reached the Lower House, I wouldn’t support it.
“I’m in favour of an upgraded palliative care system instead.”
Liberal candidate Brad Battin agreed with Ms Lobato on both the Christian education and euthanasia questions.
The married father of two provided frank answers to several questions, saying the word “marriage” should apply only to a relationship between a man and a woman. He said he would not support gay adoption.