Profile: John Bailey, Greens candidate for Ballina
Ballina Info profiles John Bailey, the Greens candidate for the seat of Ballina in the March 24 State election …
Name:
John Bailey, Greens candidate for the state seat of Ballina (which covers both the Ballina and Byron Shires).
Occupation:
Writer. Recent publications include The White Divers of Broome on pearl shell diving, The Lost German Slave Girl, relating the true story of a slave trial in Louisiana, and my latest, Mr Stuart’s Track reveals the forgotten life of explorer John McDouall Stuart. My website is www.jbailey.info
Do you have any hobbies?
I love reading. I swim several times a week and I play tennis with friends.
How long have you lived in the Ballina electorate?
I have lived in Byron Shire for six years. Before that I lived in Melbourne and before that I was educated in Orange, Goulburn and the Uni of NSW.This area is magic: The beaches, the scenery — not forgetting the wonderful people comprising a caring and welcoming community. I have been visiting the Northern Rivers area for 15 years and always intended to move here when I got the chance.
What are your favourite places in the area?
I love Brunswick. I love Evans Heads. Ballina has some wonderful bicycle paths which I enjoy using, followed by a meal at one of the many restaurants. A beer in the pub at Wardell watching the water slip by is always a pleasure.I love Brunswick.
What are the major problems facing the Ballina electorate?
I am standing for parliament because I want to make a difference. I want a better world for our children. Global warming is a big issue because of the inland drought and the number of coastal houses susceptible to rising sea levels. There are many disadvantaged people in our community who are ignored by the major political parties and their position is made worse by government policies in Workchoices and Welfare to Work legislation. Public transport is deficient in our area and closing of the railway line between Casino and Murwillumbah is a tragedy. A big issue for Ballina residents right now is the inappropriate development allowed against the wishes of the community by the planning minister.
What’s your vision of the Ballina electorate in the year 2050?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a community which was compassionate to the most vulnerable, which valued its environment above the mindless aspiration to grow bigger, was committed to a fair go for employees and employers alike and was welcoming to refugees? At the same time Greens policies in health, education, child care and the environment would increase the number of worthwhile jobs for all, especially youth.
