Troy Simpson Announces Intention to Contest Fraser Seat

troysimp said :

triffid said :

troysimp said :

Thanks for your feedback. I do have some lived experience to add to the mix — eg, the day-to-day running of a small business, the challenges of writing and getting books published (these are not law books, but rather humour books), some experience in caring for the sick and support for the mentally ill, etc. And I will be posting on my website soon the philosophical bedrock on which I will base my decision-making. One of the principles that will guide me is diversity of experience and perspectives. So, please do continue contributing your ideas and knowledge.

OK, fair enough. I will look forward to that with interest. But (and without wishing to rush to the last page of any manifesto currently in draft), can you indicate to me just what (and maybe a little of how and why) you might prefer to see occuring in the following public policy areas?:
A) family law
B) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs
C) tax transfers in the context of social equity / inclusion

As Kevin Rudd might say, “in due season”. Right now, it’s Internet filters and parralel importation of books. But your issues are definitely on my list.

Indeed, I am very familiar with the vernacular oft preferred by the Member for Griffith. With all respect and fraternity, though, Troy, those are not ‘my’ issues, rather they are among THE issues (Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander issues in particular). While they might not appear all that central to the concerns of the good burghers of Fraser, they nevertheless deserve some considerable priority of attention. That is especially the case if you are proposing to capture, and ossify to your benefit, those disaffected Labor voters you seek to attract. Those matters represent ones that actually present as an opportunity for the electorate to get a very accurate feel for the ideological basis of your platform (the ‘electorate’ doesn’t think in such terms, by the way, more subconscously making an allignment or otherwise on that basis. See Scarbrough, E. in the context of consonant dissonance).

I’m not having a go at you, Troy, though it might seem it. I, too, respect anyone who makes the committment to run for public office. But, mate, we do have more than enough lawyers in both Houses . . . really, we do. I know, I know, you have some real world experience as well. But, ask yourself this (‘cos others will be a damn sight more forceful than I ‘in due season’) . . . what do you really know of, say, the actual affects of the operation of the current family law regime on the people ensnared in its pernicious viscitudes? From where do you get those insights? Do you really place internet filters above the circumstances faced daily by the First People of Australia; irrespective of where they might live? Have you any insight into the critical cultural nuances and imperatives that systemically impair the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, yes, living even in Fraser? How can you be certain that your world view isn’t imbued with a permanent patina courtesy of your legal academic background? Just askin’ . . .

Just so you know . . . I am not a party operative (though I have been). But I am aware enough to know why I (and my social circle) have abandoned the mainstream parties: same reasons the electorate has. Question is, are you?

troysimp said :

georgesgenitals said :

Good stuff Troy.

georgesgenitals: My favourite message so far! Thank you for your encouragement.

🙂

You and I have actually met and spoken, and I thought you were pretty switched on.

I don’t live in your area, but I hope you get a guernsey.

Cheers.

Kan said :

troysimp said :

Kan said :

Yes the major parties do need a shake up in the ACT but you sound very GREEN to me. A bit like Andrew Wilkie who claims to be independent but is really an extra vote for Bob Brown and co. I agree with Bosworth, I will need to see real policies before I can make a decision.

@Kan: As with Bosworth, you will be able to read all my policy positions over time. You can then decide whether I am “Green”, “Red”, or “Blue”. I prefer Purple.

I prefer tangarine.

Tangarine was my second choice.

gordonjameswatson said :

Troy, i think you can bring a lot to Australian politics, i admire your honesty and your progressive views on a number of issues, particularly the republic and same sex marriages. I think any one who decides to stand for office, no matter what side of politics they are on, deserves admiration for wanting to at least serve their community, but for also standing behind their passion – and that takes guts and determination.

Thank you, Gordon. I am extremely grateful for your support. You had better watch out, though: you might receive a letter from your Party asking you to concentrate on letterboxing pamphlets and organising cake stalls rather than engaging in open, public, and honest policy debate 😉

troysimp said :

Kan said :

Yes the major parties do need a shake up in the ACT but you sound very GREEN to me. A bit like Andrew Wilkie who claims to be independent but is really an extra vote for Bob Brown and co. I agree with Bosworth, I will need to see real policies before I can make a decision.

@Kan: As with Bosworth, you will be able to read all my policy positions over time. You can then decide whether I am “Green”, “Red”, or “Blue”. I prefer Purple.

I prefer tangarine.

triffid said :

troysimp said :

Thanks for your feedback. I do have some lived experience to add to the mix — eg, the day-to-day running of a small business, the challenges of writing and getting books published (these are not law books, but rather humour books), some experience in caring for the sick and support for the mentally ill, etc. And I will be posting on my website soon the philosophical bedrock on which I will base my decision-making. One of the principles that will guide me is diversity of experience and perspectives. So, please do continue contributing your ideas and knowledge.

OK, fair enough. I will look forward to that with interest. But (and without wishing to rush to the last page of any manifesto currently in draft), can you indicate to me just what (and maybe a little of how and why) you might prefer to see occuring in the following public policy areas?:
A) family law
B) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs
C) tax transfers in the context of social equity / inclusion

As Kevin Rudd might say, “in due season”. Right now, it’s Internet filters and parralel importation of books. But your issues are definitely on my list.

Troy, i think you can bring a lot to Australian politics, i admire your honesty and your progressive views on a number of issues, particularly the republic and same sex marriages. I think any one who decides to stand for office, no matter what side of politics they are on, deserves admiration for wanting to at least serve their community, but for also standing behind their passion – and that takes guts and determination.

troysimp said :

Thanks for your feedback. I do have some lived experience to add to the mix — eg, the day-to-day running of a small business, the challenges of writing and getting books published (these are not law books, but rather humour books), some experience in caring for the sick and support for the mentally ill, etc. And I will be posting on my website soon the philosophical bedrock on which I will base my decision-making. One of the principles that will guide me is diversity of experience and perspectives. So, please do continue contributing your ideas and knowledge.

OK, fair enough. I will look forward to that with interest. But (and without wishing to rush to the last page of any manifesto currently in draft), can you indicate to me just what (and maybe a little of how and why) you might prefer to see occuring in the following public policy areas?:
A) family law
B) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs
C) tax transfers in the context of social equity / inclusion

triffid said :

Well, good luck with all that, Troy. But, personally, I think we have more than enough lawyers in the House of Reps, thanks (and in the building / bureaucracy generally come to think of it). Rather, I’m looking for more sociologists, or anthropologists, or other ‘arts’ type qualifications (even train drivers) instead of just another highly credentialed laywer or economist.

Yes, I’m ‘over’ machine politics and the churlish, infantile pap that passes for politics just as much as the next member of the electorate. But, I know the answer isn’t ‘more independents’ (we did that before Federation . . . it was hardly a success, then, and would be less so now in my informed view). And, I am tired of seeing the same ‘ole, same ‘ole critical perspectives being applied to so many areas of public policy; which critical perspectives deriving from a public sphere posited deep within the habitus to be found at the intersection of the legal (as dictinct from an experienced-at-first-hand ‘social’), the academic (as distinct from the practical) and the economic (you’re a constitutional lawyer, Troy . . . where in the Constitution does it say we have to, as a nation, make a profit?).

So — while not wishing to be overly negative, or to rain on your parade — it will take a great deal of convincing before this little black duck would see your candidacy and policies as truly representing a credible, viable alternative (rather than a selected grab bag of policy positions resting on an ideologically confused bedrock). But, you may as well what you’re up against. (And that’s as much my post grad quals in political science talking as my disdain for contemporary Australian politics).

Thanks for your feedback. I do have some lived experience to add to the mix — eg, the day-to-day running of a small business, the challenges of writing and getting books published (these are not law books, but rather humour books), some experience in caring for the sick and support for the mentally ill, etc. And I will be posting on my website soon the philosophical bedrock on which I will base my decision-making. One of the principles that will guide me is diversity of experience and perspectives. So, please do continue contributing your ideas and knowledge.

Well, good luck with all that, Troy. But, personally, I think we have more than enough lawyers in the House of Reps, thanks (and in the building / bureaucracy generally come to think of it). Rather, I’m looking for more sociologists, or anthropologists, or other ‘arts’ type qualifications (even train drivers) instead of just another highly credentialed laywer or economist.

Yes, I’m ‘over’ machine politics and the churlish, infantile pap that passes for politics just as much as the next member of the electorate. But, I know the answer isn’t ‘more independents’ (we did that before Federation . . . it was hardly a success, then, and would be less so now in my informed view). And, I am tired of seeing the same ‘ole, same ‘ole critical perspectives being applied to so many areas of public policy; which critical perspectives deriving from a public sphere posited deep within the habitus to be found at the intersection of the legal (as dictinct from an experienced-at-first-hand ‘social’), the academic (as distinct from the practical) and the economic (you’re a constitutional lawyer, Troy . . . where in the Constitution does it say we have to, as a nation, make a profit?).

So — while not wishing to be overly negative, or to rain on your parade — it will take a great deal of convincing before this little black duck would see your candidacy and policies as truly representing a credible, viable alternative (rather than a selected grab bag of policy positions resting on an ideologically confused bedrock). But, you may as well what you’re up against. (And that’s as much my post grad quals in political science talking as my disdain for contemporary Australian politics).

troysimp said :

I don’t think mute penguins can talk. Or perhaps that’s your point?

*sigh*

martyman said :

I for one have become totally disillusioned with party politics.

The party system means you can vote for candidates who share all of your views and beliefs only to find that on every issue they are compelled to tow the party line. Take for example Penny Wong on gay marriage or Kate Lundy on the Internet filter.

Maybe it is time our parliament had more people free to speak their mind?

I agree wholeheartedly.

LSWCHP said :

troysimp said :

verbalkint said :

http://the-riotact.com/meet-canberra-author-troy-simpson/30927

Didn’t seem to dislike the ALP that much when Barr helped you beat up some publicity for your book…

Sounds like a publicity stunt to me…

I invited Andrew Barr to launch my book. My book was launched on National Teachers Day. Andrew Barr is the local Minister for Education. I like Andrew. I like Andrew a lot. I would even call him a friend.

I’ve voted Labor almost my entire life, but I reckon Andrew Barr is a buffoon. I don’t think you’ll win too many votes by associating yourself with him. Just my $0.02 worth.

On to more serious matters though. Are you related to Marge and Homer?

LOL. Well, I am quite colourful. And I’m quite the character. But I like to think I am 3 dimensional. Plus, I have 5 fingers. So, no, I’m not related to Marge and Homer.

troysimp said :

verbalkint said :

http://the-riotact.com/meet-canberra-author-troy-simpson/30927

Didn’t seem to dislike the ALP that much when Barr helped you beat up some publicity for your book…

Sounds like a publicity stunt to me…

I invited Andrew Barr to launch my book. My book was launched on National Teachers Day. Andrew Barr is the local Minister for Education. I like Andrew. I like Andrew a lot. I would even call him a friend.

I’ve voted Labor almost my entire life, but I reckon Andrew Barr is a buffoon. I don’t think you’ll win too many votes by associating yourself with him. Just my $0.02 worth.

On to more serious matters though. Are you related to Marge and Homer?

I for one have become totally disillusioned with party politics.

The party system means you can vote for candidates who share all of your views and beliefs only to find that on every issue they are compelled to tow the party line. Take for example Penny Wong on gay marriage or Kate Lundy on the Internet filter.

Maybe it is time our parliament had more people free to speak their mind?

Captain RAAF said :

“I stand for progressive social views, including support for same-sex marriage and a more human asylum-seeker policy.”

Well that’s the end of you then!

There are more people than you might think, on both sides of politics, who believe in same-sex marriage and a more humane asylum-seeker policy. The difference is that I will say what I believe and not be subservient to Party bosses. And I do not care how popular or unpopular my beliefs are right now. I believe the public can be persuaded, if the argument is presented in rational terms. But we will see.

verbalkint said :

http://the-riotact.com/meet-canberra-author-troy-simpson/30927

Didn’t seem to dislike the ALP that much when Barr helped you beat up some publicity for your book…

Sounds like a publicity stunt to me…

I invited Andrew Barr to launch my book. My book was launched on National Teachers Day. Andrew Barr is the local Minister for Education. I like Andrew. I like Andrew a lot. I would even call him a friend. He has courage and skills. I also like Andrew Leigh. He and I collaborated at the ANU. And I think Alistair Coe, from the Liberal side, is a genuine and dedicated member. Good ideas and good men and women do not all belong to one side of politics. But that is kind of my point.

As for seeking publicity, there are not many copies of my books left to sell. And I have already been paid all I am going to get from the book. This amount is not going to change one bit, no matter how many books sell from here.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

Why is this ‘good’? I really don’t think we should encourage delusional people – it is highly irresponsible. Troy has as much chance of being elected as Mully Williams, probably less actually.

And ooh “My campaign — our campaign — starts now” how very inspiring. ‘Our campaign’ how patronising can you be? I bet you were really pleased with yourself when you came up with that one. Too much time watching the West Wing? And what a great alternative you offer, an ANU academic to replace an ANU academic.

I would much prefer to put my time into the campaing for the mute penguin Thumper suggested, at least we could believe what it said.

I am delusional about many things. But I am not delusional about my electoral chances. I know it is a Herculean task that confronts me. As if I would let a little thing like that stop me. I do not mind failing — even failing spectacularly — as long as I fail on my own terms. But I am going into this contest with an intention of winning it.

The phrase “My campaign — our campaign” took me no time at all. Perhaps it shows? I have only seen a few episodes of the West Wing. I prefer Dr Who.

I offer much more than my experience at the ANU. For example, I have run a successful small business for 8 years (and continue to run a company even now). My company won the ACT Business of the Year in 2005 and the National Micro-business of the Year in the same year. No small feat. I also have public service experience and experience as a published author. But if you are saying I have a similar background to Andrew Leigh, then I take that as a compliment. One advantage I have over Andrew is that I can say what I believe.

I don’t think mute penguins can talk. Or perhaps that’s your point?

georgesgenitals said :

Good stuff Troy.

georgesgenitals: My favourite message so far! Thank you for your encouragement.

EvanJames said :

You need some policies! Three “beliefs” is a good start, but more, more.

Evan: Sure. Keep an eye on the website for more policies over the days, weeks, and months.

Good on you Troy, but there’s really no point.

A mute penguin could run as an ALP candidate and still wipe the field.

Thumper: thank you for your encouragement (well, sort of encouragement). See my response to colourful sydney rac (below) about how I view my odds of winning.

Kan said :

Yes the major parties do need a shake up in the ACT but you sound very GREEN to me. A bit like Andrew Wilkie who claims to be independent but is really an extra vote for Bob Brown and co. I agree with Bosworth, I will need to see real policies before I can make a decision.

@Kan: As with Bosworth, you will be able to read all my policy positions over time. You can then decide whether I am “Green”, “Red”, or “Blue”. I prefer Purple.

Bosworth said :

tell us more about your policy positions.

Bosworth: all my policy positions will be available well before the next election

colourful sydney racing identity said :

A mute penguin would probably be the best thing for the people of Fraser. Wanna help me stack a branch or two so we can make it happen?

Count me in. Is there anything in the ALP rules about candidates being human? I assume not, based on some people on the ticket in the past.

How many disenchanted penguins do you know?

We’ll only need the one, unless you are planning on stacking several branches…?

“I stand for progressive social views, including support for same-sex marriage and a more human asylum-seeker policy.”

Well that’s the end of you then!

http://the-riotact.com/meet-canberra-author-troy-simpson/30927

Didn’t seem to dislike the ALP that much when Barr helped you beat up some publicity for your book…

Sounds like a publicity stunt to me…

Why is this ‘good’? I really don’t think we should encourage delusional people – it is highly irresponsible. Troy has as much chance of being elected as Mully Williams, probably less actually.

And ooh “My campaign — our campaign — starts now” how very inspiring. ‘Our campaign’ how patronising can you be? I bet you were really pleased with yourself when you came up with that one. Too much time watching the West Wing? And what a great alternative you offer, an ANU academic to replace an ANU academic.

I would much prefer to put my time into the campaing for the mute penguin Thumper suggested, at least we could believe what it said.

Good stuff Troy.

You need some policies! Three “beliefs” is a good start, but more, more.

Good on you Troy, but there’s really no point.

A mute penguin could run as an ALP candidate and still wipe the field.

A mute penguin would probably be the best thing for the people of Fraser. Wanna help me stack a branch or two so we can make it happen?

Yes the major parties do need a shake up in the ACT but you sound very GREEN to me. A bit like Andrew Wilkie who claims to be independent but is really an extra vote for Bob Brown and co. I agree with Bosworth, I will need to see real policies before I can make a decision.

tell us more about your policy positions.