Andrea Courtney

Independent for Braddon

Survey Responses

This was a yes/no survey with the option of adding further comments.

  1. Do you support the right of faith-based schools and organisations to only hire people who share their ethos?
    No. I don't support discrimination in any form, particularly so when there is public money being used.

  2. Do you support the push to ban ‘conversion therapy’ (including prayer and faith-based counselling) for people who are struggling with their gender or sexual orientation? 
    Yes. Sorry. I know that's not what you wanted the reply to be. I was raised Catholic. But I don't believe it ours to question the way other people live their lives if they harm none. It is not my place to judge. I understand religious conviction. But God loves unconditionally. It's ok to encourage personal religious beliefs. It's not ok to insist others share those beliefs.

  3. Do you support banning biological males from competing in women’s sport? 
    Yes. However, I am open to the idea of having an open gender. Where anyone can compete as a third option.

  4. Would you support the formation of a parliamentary committee to ensure the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse are properly implemented?
    Yes. 100%. Absolutely.

  5. Do you support banning late-term abortions (when a baby’s life is viable outside the womb), except where the mother’s life is at risk? 
    No. This isn't a black and white situation for me. I have no right to force another person to bring a child into this world. While I am vehemently opposed to it. There are far too many complexities on this one, to answer yes or no. Late term terminations are very rare. Which means the reason for that decision must be extremely heavy on the mother. And if it's a medical reason, that's between the mother, God and the GP. It's not mine to judge. It's not mine to force a woman to bring a life into this world. I would like to encourage adoption as an option for those mothers. Have support groups that would help be part of the conversation, to encourage adoption. But a ban is to excessive. Even if I don't agree.

  6. Do you support compulsory pre-commitment cards for poker machine users? 
    Yes. Pokies are extremely harmful. And they are draining our communities funds. Economies are circular. When the gambling takes that money from our communities. It's money that could be going to community groups, schools, church fairs, small business operators. And it costs our health systems, and the mental health system. Drinking goes along with it most of the time. Which harms families. I just don't believe we need the machines at all.

  7. Do you support ongoing state funding of Dark Mofo? 
    Yes. I understand the concern. But I'd have to look at the funding against other events. If the funding is on par with other events held, (again, its not mine to judge how others live). It wouldn't be right to discriminate if they don't breach any laws / legislations.

  8. Do you support the decriminalisation of recreational drugs? 
    Yes. Within reason. And with a good support system in place for anyone that wants help to get off drugs. With it being taxed, to pay for the support systems to get off it, and the to contribute to the health system that deals with the harmful effects. While it's illegal, patients aren't honest with their Doctors a lot of the time. Which causes greater harm to the patient. That cost's more on the Health and Justice system later. If we tax and regulate it, it makes it far harder for a black market to exist. And we get better outcomes for the people who turn to drugs instead of turning to help. Most drug users I have met, are hurting, or lost, or angry, or scared. If we tax it. We can regulate it. And we can fund the healthcare around it. Mental and Physical.