Dami Barnes

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 struggle with the notion that faith should be a force for division. I feel I would want the best candidate for the job being offered, if i had two candidates, One interviewed fantastically and for all intents and purposes would be seen as providing a fantastic education for the students, but their faith didn't align.....that kind of does a detriment to the school/organisation of missing out on wonderful talent. I get it is a two way street though and the applicant may also be choosing not to apply because it is a faith based school/organisation. Surely we live in a world where we accept differences but identify that the strengths that each party brings without going down the path of "NO, Not the right faith for us"

  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. Surely this is more harmful than productive. A person's own best interest should be at the centre of any help they seek and Outside influence should not be there to push an agenda. A person is who they are, even the notion that one would do this to a person just feels horrid and I can't help but feel the person will be scarred for life from it. Nurture, support, and help the person find themselves and be there for them because by gosh they will need that support through their life, but don't force ideologies on them that can then lead to intolerance and hate.

  3. Do you support banning biological males from competing in women’s sport? 
    No. This question is written in such a way as to be as harmful as possible to a group of individuals that are already marginalized. We have come so far as a society to be open and supportive and encouraging. This question doesn't get a resolution when it is written in such a way as to be as damaging and as divisive as possible and doesn't help to form an open communication channel. Do I support gender diverse people in sports, absolutely (noting this question marginalizes a marginalized population already). Can we find solutions that help people to enjoy the sports they love, whether that be at an elite level or local club. Is there safeguards we can put in place to protect everyone and the achievements of the team or individuals, Id like to think we can find a way forward rather than just incite an argument.

  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. Child Sex Abuse is horrid. We should be doing everything we can to protect them from the wrongdoings of individuals and institutions. Whatever laws that can be passed to protect and punish accordingly should be worked towards by all levels of politics and should transcend political divide.

  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? 
    Yes. A person's Body is a person's body. Again this goes back to who is harming who. Surely there are significantly more negative outcomes if you force a person through to birth and the emotional and mental trauma caused to both parent and baby would be significantly greater.

  6. Do you support compulsory pre-commitment cards for poker machine users? 
    Yes. I would like to research this more I will be honest. Gambling is a serious problem, and it does destroy lives, I understand such legislation is (was?) somewhat nation leading. This is one of those broader discussions about how lobbying affects the decisions of politicians and where the line should be drawn on who is supporting who. On the whole i do support plans to reduce harm caused by poker addiction and this may come in many forms including but not limited to pre commitment cards. I also acknowledge that there is probably more than one pub that possibly relies on poker revenue to survive. This is something that also shouldn't be overlooked (but yes i do struggle with that thought process of relying on other people's gambling habits).

  7. Do you support ongoing state funding of Dark Mofo? 
    Yes. I think Dark Mofo and most festivals in general do a lot of good for the state. They bring people together. The investment can help the economy. And its a little bit edgy and different and recognised Australia wide. The arts should be supported, it is what brings a smile to our faces, some things might not be for some but that's the beauty of the arts, there will always be something else that might tickle one's fancy.

  8. Do you support the decriminalisation of recreational drugs? 
    Yes. After we define what a recreational drug is, then we have a taxable revenue stream. Nicotine and caffeine spring to mind on what one could consider a 'recreational drug'. Marijuana obviously has recently had its time in the pipe. With appropriate controls in place, there could potentially be enough health benefits to a persons emotional and mental state by being able to use a prescribed recreational drug. I personally feel this does warrant a broader discussion.