LAW and order and specifically the level of violence in the community are among the most important issues facing our society, according to South West Coast independent candidate Dr Michael McCluskey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Social and economic well being issues are all vital issues, however, I believe they are ultimately determined by the level of violence we accept in our community," he said.
"If we look at different communities throughout the world, the key driver of well beings is nearly always determined by the level of violence perpetrated within that particular community.”
Dr McCluskey said there was a lot of research linking violence, in particular against children and women, to how well communities can achieve their social and economic potential.
"When we have the nurturing environment we need to achieve these potentials then we are far more likely to develop a greater sense of responsibility for our behaviours," he said.
"Along with this heightened sense of responsibility comes a greater awareness and desire to treat other people, our environment and the animal population in a healthier and more sustaining way.
“Violence in society can occur at different levels from extreme intimate partner violence through to the more subtle normalisation of violence seen on television and on certain sporting fields."
Dr McCluskey said when children experienced violence during their crucial early years there was a risk they accepted violence as normal behaviour.
He said pop singer Jimmy Barnes' harrowing childhood story and its impact on him in his later life was a solid example of the long lasting impact.
In terms of the SWC election, Dr McCluskey said he wanted people to make up their own minds about preferences.
He said he won’t be registering a how-to-vote card as he is a firm believer in voters making an informed choice for themselves as to who they see as the best candidates, but he said his top three preferences would go to independent candidates.
Dr McCluskey said he hoped voters took the opportunity to send a clear message to the government and minimise the seat.
"Better funding in our region for such vital areas as healthcare, education and road and rail will be shaped by the vote we take at this upcoming election,” he said.
