Last week, I resigned from the Liberal National Party so that I could could seek re-election to the Senate at the next Federal election, because I am committed to keep fighting for your interests on the floor of Parliament. I therefore am now sitting in the chamber as an Independent Senator.
This decision was a difficult one to make and while I would have preferred to lobby for issues that are important to the Australian people within the LNP, that option is no longer available to me.
Because of the Senate voting system I need to be in a party (with my name in it) to get my name above the line on the Senate ballot, to have the best chance of re-election.
A VISION FOR AUSTRALIA…
My work as a Senator is not done, there is more I want to achieve so that our children can have the same opportunities that our forefathers gave to us. I believe Government overreach is killing individual responsibility, aspiration and entrepreneurship in Australia.
Governments need to get back to the delivery of essential services and standing up for Australians who try to stand up for themselves.
As such I want to draw on my experience to promote a range of policies that will empower Australians and their families to live a prosperous life and provide abundant opportunities for their children.
There also needs to much greater accountability and transparency within our bureaucracy, judiciary and corporations. Too many leaders today do not put the interests of the people they are meant to serve, first.
There is also a lack of vision from the same leaders who in the main seem to promote ideologies that seek to divide and shame us, rather than inspire us. As a result, Australian people have become cynical and divided rather than optimistic and united. This needs to change.
Australia is a great country with tremendous opportunity that has a proud history of tolerance, resilience and egalitarianism.
We owe it to our forefathers whose legacy gave us so many opportunities, to do the same for our children.
POLICIES TO MAKE YOUR LIVES EASIER
I have released five key policies that seek to empower individuals and families whilst curbing the power of bureaucrats. These are:
1. LIFT THE TAX-FREE THRESHOLD TO $40,000
Currently, every dollar you earn over $18,200 is being taxed. Essentially, you are being taxed on money you need for the basic cost of living (which is approx. $40,000). This policy would reduce income tax by around $3,500 for every person who earns at least that amount and help people keep up with the rising cost of living.
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2. PAY CHILDCARE DIRECTLY TO PARENTS RATHER THAN INSTITUTIONALISED CHILDCARE CENTRES
Millions of shift workers, part time workers, FIFO workers and farming parents cannot access childcare when they need it. Greater flexibility will reduce demand on childcare centres whilst increasing the supply of childcare options which will drive down the price of childcare. This will also help parents with special needs children find childcare that works for their child.
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3. MAKE SUPERANNUATION VOLUNTARY
Superannuation is not achieving its stated purpose of reducing the relative number of people on a full-time pension. In 2024, over half of retirees are still on a full pension, the same percentage as 1992 when superannuation started. This is despite the $30 billion in costs to run superannuation and $50 billion in tax concessions.
On the other hand, the number of people retiring with a mortgage has increased from 10% to 40%. While this is not entirely because of superannuation, reducing a person’s capacity to reduce their mortgage is not helping.
The combined value of superannuation is over $3 trillion dollars. This is helping the unions via their industry funds to have a greater say in how industry is being run. As a result, industry is now driven by ideology rather than productivity which is having a disastrous result on Australia’s productive output.
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4. ABOLISH RENEWABLE SUBSIDIES
The cost of the above policies will be paid for by abolishing renewable subsidies, means testing the white collar defined benefit scheme for federal bureaucrats and removing federal departments in Canberra that have a State Government counterpart. These include the Environment, Energy, Education and Aboriginal Departments. Renewables on Farmland, National Parks and Oceans will also be prohibited.
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5. ESTABLISH A PUBLIC BANK, AN INFRASTRUCTURE BANK AND STATE GOVERNMENT INSURANCE OFFICE
Privatisation has not led to greater competition and better services. It has resulted in the complete opposite, fewer branches, higher insurance costs and longer wait times. Banking and Insurance services are essential services. Like other essential services I believe the best model is one where both public and private entities operate. Public entities provide a back stop and uphold ethical behaviour while private entities drive improvements in service delivery and control costs. This is the model used for other essential service such as health and education and I believe the same should apply for financial services.
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These policies seek to differentiate myself from other politicians who are tinkering at the edges when it comes to strategic big picture policy reform. Other policies relating to tax, monetary and social issues will be released in due course.
At a time when Australians are going through the largest GDP per capita recession since the great depression, it is time for politicians to stop squabbling and implement substantive reforms that will help Australians live a better and more relaxed life.
HELP ME STAY IN THE SENATE
I look forward to serving the rest of my Senate term by putting the people first and ask that Queenslanders put their trust in me at the next Federal Election so I can keep fighting for you.
You can support my campaign to remain in the Senate by visiting gerardrennick.com.au/peoplefirstparty.
Thank you for your continued support.
