With just a few days until we head to the polls, The Echo asked the candidates for the seat of Lismore one last bunch of questions.
Here are the responses from Vanessa Rosayro
– Animal Justice Party
What is your policy on Cannabis?
I support decriminalising the use of cannabis and would advocate for regulations
which enable lawful, safe supply.
I understand the evidence of adverse side effects. I worked for 10 years as a social worker in Drug and Alcohol service across in Sydney and in Lismore. In my experience, adversity leads to addiction. Adversity from trauma, such that from accidents, from exposure to violence, from adverse mental health, poverty and homelessness.
I would advocate for an investment in social services and drug treatment programs, and imagine that in doing so, concerns related to cannabis use can be addressed.
Do you support building on floodplains?
No.
We have the devastating experience of what happens when we do. Viable flood
mitigation strategies involve building homes and business off floodplains. We can not
afford to make this mistake again.
How would you address the issue of legacy floodplain approvals
(developments that have been approved but not yet built, that are on
floodplains)?
Rational conversation and consultation to find suitable alternatives. Naturally those
with development approvals would be concerned, and compensation strategies may
also need to be considered when exploring alternatives.
Do you consider that the current NSW government’s Short Term Rental
Accommodation laws (STRA) has contributed to the current housing crisis and
would you advocate for local councils to regain control over STRA?
Lismore and its surrounds pre-flood was a thriving tourist industry, and STRA are a
significant part facilitating this. However, community groups have been vocal about
the impact of STRA, the most significant of which has been its contribution to the
housing crisis. As sectors of the community raise this, I intend to listen, consult and
act.
Our tourism industry is also in crisis, and I wonder about our potential to reach
agreements which benefit both sectors. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Any response to this issue will also consider other strategies for managing homelessness
such as investment in affordable housing, rental reform, and preventative strategies
for at risk vulnerable populations.
What is your position on Domestic Violence?
Violence is preventable. Domestic violence, sexual violence, violence against
women, violence against children, violence in LGBTIQA groups and in First Nations
communities.
My position is that we can do more, and we need more. More funding for victim survivors to access safe housing, psycho social and trauma treatment therapy, more funding for early intervention and prevention.
We can support victim survivors with the trauma impacts of violence. This requires changes to our current funding of social services and the way in which funding is distributed. I am a social worker, and I have worked in government and non-government services in domestic
violence, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. I am committed and passionate about ending violence in our community.
How are you funding/paying for your campaign?
The Animal Justice Party is a minor party, with no affiliations or support from major
corporations or institutions. There are electoral laws which govern the use of funds in
elections, but many major parties appear to have greater resources. Perhaps they
have found a way around this?
I am funding my campaign with my own time after work and on weekends. Everything you read I have written, there is no campaign manager or proxy. I have fronted up when I can, engaged with people as I am.
What you see, is what you get.
How will you suggest to your supporters to preference on their ballot papers?
Animals can’t afford to be put second. Give The animal justice party your #1 spot. If I
don’t get in, your full vote goes to whoever you put as #2.
Understanding preferential voting is key here!
Click here for more questions and information about your Lismore candidates.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
