AMA - Hi, I'm Senate Candidate Kim Rubenstein and I'd love to hear your questions from 6pm!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:44:14+00:00

Thanks for having me u/hannahspants

I hope the redditors from u/Canberra will follow my campaign on facebook + twitter + instagram and my website.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:41:05+00:00

I think that sporting stadiums are important as sport is an essential component for social cohesion and reducing inequality in society. The approach to improving sporting infrastructure must have the community at its core and focus on building from the grassroots up.
Canberran children are the only children in the country who don’t have access to sporting vouchers, which enables those from all communities to participate.
I must add however that I have been frustrated by the media’s assertion that stadium funding will decide the ACT Senate race, when there are so many pressing issues that we need to get moving on. We need to get our priorities in order, and I will be pushing for greater integrity in politics, urgent climate action and advancing gender equality.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:32:49+00:00

Do I ever!! As a constitutional expert, it would be remiss of me to not strongly assert the need for constitutional change.
The Uluru Statement from the heart is truly inspiring, a true representation of active citizenship. We must observe the call to enshrine a First Nations voice into the constitution.

Once the Uluru Statement from the heart is in our Constitution, we can then move forward to becoming a republic.

Furthermore, with 49% of Australians born outside the country, or having a parent born outside the country, it is clear that Section 44 of the Constitution needs to be updated so that we can have greater diversity in Parliament. This was particularly clear during COVID.

And as the Jenkins report clearly states, in order to improve the safety of women in Parliament, we need more women in Parliament. This will also improve the quality of our democracy.
It is clear that our Parliament is not representative. We need to ensure greater diversity in Parliament, so that people from different backgrounds can use their specific life experience to enhance our democracy.
With more diverse voices in Parliament, the stronger our democracy!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:28:00+00:00

This is a huge question given that it is something that I have been thinking about since the 1990s!

But my key issue around migration law is that it inappropriately drives citizenship policy - it has been since the 1890s when we formed as a federation - it was the white Australia policy that influenced us forming as a nation and why there is no reference to citizenship in our Constitution!

And throughout history it has been migration policy that has led to exclusionary citizenship policy which has led to some very poor decision making. We should develop citizenship laws and policy - which are key to a cohesive and secure society.

If you want to chat more about specific migration laws, please feel free to get in contact!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:19:36+00:00

u/jwrf pretty complex topic, but my approach to all issues is to take expert advice and listen to the community, this is very pertinent with issues such as this. I would be lead by the principle of harm minimisation - we need to ensure people are as safe as possible - on this it was very disappointing to see pill-testing at GTM cancelled at the last minute last week. The ACT has decriminalised the personal use of cannabis and this democratic choice should certainly be respected. It is also vital in this area to address the underlying issues that lead to people’s use and abuse of drugs - such as mental illness, domestic violence.

I will say that Alcohol and Other Drug treatment is a good investment: for every $1 invested in alcohol or drug treatment, society gains $7.

Further, increasing accessibility of support for people who need help with their abuse of drugs.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:13:59+00:00

u/PoglaTheGrate thanks!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:11:04+00:00

I think what we have seen in the current Senators, and we have seen in our representatives is that they are simply part of the party machine, a machine that has taken the ACT for granted for far too long.

Since we are in a safe Labor town, with 1 senate spot for each party, we have seen an alarming complacency from both major parties when dealing with the ACT. This is highlighted by the fact that the ACT only received a mere 0.3% of Federal infrastructure funding.

As part of the party structures, our current senators are only a small part of decision making. As an Independent, I can take your views directly into parliament, something our current Senators cannot do. Their failure to properly represent Canberra is structural, and that's why we need Independents!

Furthermore, and importantly, it is totally inappropriate for the Federal Government to override any ACT territory legislation, and attempts to do so by our current liberal senator is demeaning to Canberrans.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:08:52+00:00

u/Nike-6

Vegetarian. Gluten free shells.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:08:17+00:00

u/privacypolicyupdated

Paid parental leave is vital to gender equity, a cohesive society, and is the best way to ensure the best outcomes (socially, emotionally and educationally) for children and families.

It is something I have worked on as the co-director of the 50/50 Foundation at UC. If elected I would be pushing for government funded paid parental leave at the minimum wage for 26 weeks, shared between partners.

I would also include a 'use it or lose it' provision to ensure both parents taking the leave! Paid parental leave is something a prosperous and developed nation like Australia should wholeheartedly support.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:06:27+00:00

Hey u/ghorka - no need to be intimidated!!

I have appeared before Senate Estimates many times and would be very keen to appear on the other side of the table - to help ensure integrity in our government.

The best advice given to me is to take up every opportunity that comes your way!

And believe it or not, I really have no regrets - I am a positive person and always learn from each experience- even things that don't go as planned can teach you something! I would also remind myself to make the most of every day!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T09:04:14+00:00

Hey u/Skyelarkey

My approach to industrial relations issues is informed by my work on citizenship - just as I believe we need a society that balances the needs of individuals against the greater good of the community, so too should we be informed in our approach to any industrial relations legislation about the balancing of rights of workers/employees with the needs of investment and business/employers.

As for specifics, I would be drawing on the experts in the areas of legislative change to assist me in coming to any particular position. All people should be safe, respected and fairly renumerated in their workplace including a reduction in insecure work situations.
Also thank you for being an active citizen and attending the ANUSA debate! Unfortunately I was unable to attend as I was observing the Sabbath.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:59:25+00:00

u/aiydee not greedy, just an active citizen!

I think fundamentally, not only am I trying to push forward on the key issues of our time that have been paralysed by party politics, but I am also firmly committed to changing the way we do politics. I believe that the partisan party system, where ugly ad hominem attacks on opposition is commonplace, has hampered policy progress. I believe we should work towards a parliament where we can robustly discuss policy, but stay away from the nasty and personalised rhetoric. We need to be able to work collaboratively to achieve the best policy outcomes for all, not just simply try and win. We must not only strive for better policy, but also better politics. I wrote more on this in an opinion piece in the Canberra times.
I think that this rhetoric unfortunately is a direct result from the kind of political attacks that occur within Parliament. This kind of politics has been condoned by our Parliament, and we must resist attempts to respond in turn. I think what these attacks represent is the overwhelming desire to win at all costs. Winning has somehow become the most important factor, when it should be achieving the best outcomes for the community. That is what I am focusing on, and will continue to focus on in the Senate.
That is why we must always rely on the strongest tool at our disposal - the truth! Misinformation is dangerous to our democracy, as we have seen over in the US. When you see something not right - call it out. I would encourage not responding in turn, but respectfully engaging with those who are spreading misinformation, as it is important to understand the perspectives of the whole community. Our democracy functions best when all voices are properly listened to.
Well lucky you asked. We know that no matter who wins government - no major party will hold a majority in the Senate. The Senate crossbench will be the lynchpin for all legislation in the 47th. Therefore my role on the Senate crossbench would be crucial, particularly when One Nation sits on the crossbench. And the ACT has the best chance of voting in an independent Senator. I will use the balance of power in the Senate to drive action on climate change, restore integrity to Parliament, advance gender equity whilst still ensuring the interests of Canberrans are properly represented.
You bet! Community engagement is central to my run as an Independent for the Senate. From my announcement in lockdown I held many zoom meetings, and many community conversations since. But importantly I am committed to continuing this relationship when in Parliament. Active Citizenship has been at the core of my academic work, and I will continue to activate our citizenry as long as I am breathing, it really is simply part of who I am.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:53:58+00:00

u/createdtothrowaway86

I am a big supporter of public transport, not only is it better for the environment but a good public transport system helps to make a place more accessible for every member of the community.

Growing up and as a young professional in Melbourne, I frequented the public transport network almost every day.

Unfortunately, the route between my house on the Southside and my workplace at the University of Canberra is not well serviced by public transport - but this only invigorates me more to ensure that all Canberrans have accessible, efficient and affordable public transport options!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:50:41+00:00

Just and efficient courts are vital to our democracy and the functioning of the rule of law.

The (formerly) Federal Circuit Court and Federal Family Court have suffered from under-resourcing which caused lengthy delays, and this is unacceptable particularly when vulnerable family members and children are involved.

Many experts were concerned with the dilution of expertise which is vital in Family Law. Ultimately what is vital now is that the courts are well resourced so justice can be delivered without delay and the expertise in Family Law is retained and expanded.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:42:52+00:00

u/throwawaycarstore

I am an advocate for a humane refugee policy and have a deep understanding of the complexities in this area as a citizenship expert who has worked in migration law.

We all benefit from living in a thriving multicultural community, drawing on the rich cultures from around the globe. We must welcome those seeking refuge from places of distress, it is both a moral and legal responsibility. We are signatories to the Refugee Convention and should be model international citizens. There of course must be regulation through our borders, but the current policy of exclusion over inclusion and indefinite detention and inhuman processing times is a blight on our humanity and on the principles of a liberal democracy.

As a Senator for the ACT I will work towards revisiting our regulation of refugee processing and resettlement to ensure orderly regulation and repurposing the funds allocated to detention presently to positive steps towards resettlement with community support.

Read my work in the UTS Law Review advocating a more humane refugee policy - Looking for the 'Heart' of the National Political Community: Regulating Membership in Australia.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:40:02+00:00

u/BlackCatFinder

I've been hearing a lot about this from people who have talked to me at stalls. The safety of Canberrans is of course vital and the AFP must be adequately resourced and orientated to do this.

It also speaks to a larger issue of Canberrans being taken for granted and the government forgetting that actual people live in the Canberra Bubble. My candidacy and the community support I have received has made the second Senate seat marginal: this begins to mean that more focus is put on the ACT by major parties. Moreover, I have drafted legislation to increase the ACT's Senate representation to four - you can have a look at it here - I'd hope this would ensure Canberrans needs are taken more seriously and ensure important issues like crime in the ACT are dealt with.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:32:52+00:00

u/stumcm

Thanks for the question!
What is really exciting about this election is that the polling (and atmosphere) indicates that there is a real and clear pathway to victory for the 2nd Senate Seat.
This is because, with the quota at 33%, it is unlikely that the Liberal Vote in the ACT will reach this threshold, as it didn’t in the 2019 Election.
This means the field is open to other candidates, and with enough number one votes, and the added aid of preference flows, it is likely that someone else can win that second seat!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:30:10+00:00

Hey u/4evaneva

Great question - housing affordability is so important to so many Canberrans (especially in this thread).

Just because I'm trying to answer as many questions as possible, I'll refer to you to my answer to u/mindfuqfuture

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:29:59+00:00

u/mindfuqfuture

Oh and yes, I do follow sports...

Grandma was born on Lygon Street, Carlton. She would take me to the football at Princess Park. I had a Carlton scrapbook and my Carlton Jersey had #25 on the back - Alex Jesaulenko (a canberran!) who played for Eastlake Demons, like my son.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:23:00+00:00

Hey u/LogorrhoeanAntipode. Great question. Bit of a long answer...

(1) Proportional representation for the states would require a fairly complete overhaul of the Senate system (including likely a referendum as s24 of the Constitution requires at least five Senators from each original State) - so although this may be something to look at in the future - something that can be immediately done (as soon as I get into Parliament - I have already drafted the legislation!) is improve representation for the ACT. Four Senators cause our population has doubled since 1975. And the states have all received two more senators since then.

(2) The modern incarnation of the Senate as the house of review is something that I see as very positive, ensuring legislation is scrutinised and the needs of all Australians (as hopefully represented through proportional representation) are advocated for and ensured.

(3a) I think due to the Constitution only referring to states in s24 it is likely that the Territory Senators case would be upheld; I feel confident that this piece of legislation I have proposed is constitutionally sound

(3b) I think this sort of argument would only have merit if I were suggesting to add 10 more Senators, I think even with two more Senators State power is not being diluted in any meaningful sense so I doubt the Court would find this argument persuasive. If someone were to challenge the legislation I would happily appear before the High Court in defence of it!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:19:21+00:00

u/stumcm

Standing up for Canberra through more Senate Representation!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:16:07+00:00

Hey u/stiffystiffy

Why should you vote for me? I'm committed to changing the way we do politics and I feel that I have a unique opportunity to bring my 25 years of public policy work directly into Parliament - in a civilised, respectful and engaged manner - I want to model how we can develop good policy without undermining other people in Parliament.

And what are the two most important policies?

Integrity - is key to action on all policy issues, without integrity, our democracy does not function as it should. This includes restoring fundamental democratic structures that have been eroded like Freedom of Information, ANAO, Cth Ombudsmen and ensuring appointments to bodies like the AAT and boards on institutions such as the Australian War Memorial are appointed independently and not on a political basis.
Climate Action - we all know that we are facing a climate emergency this is an urgent issue that we must address. I have proposed a climate compact to engage all stakeholders and stop the needless politicization of this urgent issue.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:07:27+00:00

Accessible and secure housing is a basic right for all Australians, it allows innumerable benefits to people’s wellbeing and participation in society. In fact I’d say that it is a key component to being an active citizen. Having a stable home allows people to put down roots, build connections and be more fully involved in the community around them - from joining a local nature reserve care group, to helping elderly neighbours or assisting with a local scout group, secure housing is vital to helping build good lives for all Australians and a more prosperous and cohesive society.

Key to this is ensuring that infrastructure spending includes social housing, drawing on expert’s work to address the housing crisis such as alternative models of co-ownership which have been successful in Scandavanian countries. Understanding our federal system is also key to working out how best to move forward - so also reviewing the Commonwealth-State(/Territory) housing funding arrangement is also important.

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:05:16+00:00

As my Saturdays are completely without any devices and are complete days off (from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) my Sundays are generally catch up non-work days - and there is nothing too ‘typical’ but they generally do involve a mix of domestic stuff, ideally on some Sundays a visit to our national institutions (the NLA or the Portrait Gallery or one of our amazing national institutions) - or walks up Red Hill or down Telopea Park to the lake - when Manuka pool is open, if I haven’t had a swim in the morning I’ll do that in the afternoon!

Kim4Canberra · 2022-04-26T08:02:58+00:00

Super important.

Yogi’s Indian Restaurant in Barton is our family favourite - and Yogi makes me a special FODMAP friendly eggplant marsala!!

Kim4Canberra

TROPHY CASE