Re-elect Senator Andrew Bartlett

Chris Faint -- ------------ ---- - -- -

Qld Democrats Candidate for Fadden

Email: Chris.Faint@qld.democrats.org.au
Phone: (m) 0447 723 3660

Chris was born in Brisbane and grew up in Brisbane's Western suburbs. He graduated from Kenmore State High in 1995. Since then, Chris has worked in sales and management roles, as well as having a brief stint as an English teacher in China as part of an extended holiday with his wife.

For the past four years, Chris has managed a small trade business in Ipswich, specialising in physical termite barriers.

Chris has had a long standing interest in politics and the desire to place Australia on better footing. He joined the Australian Democrats in 2006 after realising the congruence between the Democrats' values and political aspirations and his own.

Chris has been shocked to see the Howard government's abuse of its power in the Senate over its last term. He wants to see a return to balance in the Senate, with the Senate committee system restored and effective debate of issues, so that everyone's voice can be heard, and a fair go guaranteed. This can only happen if the Senate is independent of the government of the day.

Issues that Chris wants to address during his campaign include:

Education - making it more affordable, from primary right through to tertiary levels.

Protecting the environment - he is passionate about conservation and protecting endangered species. Chris believes we have a responsibility to ensure that we respect and care for what we are merely borrowing from future generations.

Sustainable, affordable housing - Chris supports the Democrats call to review the tax mix and government subsidies that have lead to spiralling home purchase and rental prices.

Transport - a developed country such as Australia should be a world leader in providing good, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transport.

Health and community - Chris thinks there are important links between individual health and the health of our communities. He wants to see government action, through education, infrastructure improvements and cultural initiatives, that seek to improve health.

Chris is an avid cyclist, reader, gardener, diver, and devoted husband.