Anton Prange---------------- - ---
Qld Democrats Candidate for Capricornia

Email: Anton.Prange@qld.democrats.org.au
Ph: (m) 0447 723 366

Anton Prange says the people of Capricornia, Australia's beef cattle capital recognise bullshit when they see it and we've seen plenty of it in the lead up to the 2007 federal election. "Beyond John Howard's origami efforts on Kyoto and Kevin Rudd's "wax-ation", there are matters of much more substance and importance to the citizens of this country."

Anton joined the Democrats after discovering an underlying message of common sense throughout the party's policies. His primary objective in this election campaign is to ensure that the Australian Democrats retain and strengthen their voice in the parliament. Without the Democrats continued representation in the Senate, the issues of substance and importance, such as climate change, housing affordability and fairness in the economy will be ignored by the major parties, he believes.

"Since the government won control of the Senate in 2004, we have seen common sense discarded and debate gagged. Federal governments since the inception of the Australian Democrats in 1977 have enjoyed long periods of incumbency. This can be attributed to our role of keeping governments accountable and taking the sharp edges off their policies. You only need to look at the destruction the Howard Government has done to itself through its industrial relations and anti-terror laws since seizing control of the Senate.

"The most enduring Democrat's slogan is "to keep the bastards honest". In doing so, it is equally important to be honest and upfront about ourselves.

"I am 29 years of age and have been an IT consultant throughout my working life. I have a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology from QUT. I've been running my own IT business since the age of 22. I live in Upper Mount Gravatt and have always lived in Brisbane's southern suburbs. In 2007, I separated with my wife and am actively involved raising our two beautiful children. In addition to the stresses of running a thriving small business, I am also the campaign manager of a local Democrats candidate and have been helping wherever possible to see Senator Andrew Bartlett retain his seat in the Senate.

"Questions will be asked of my commitment to contesting a seat that I have never lived in. Despite various challenges in my personal and professional life, the honest answer is that I believe that Australia's interests are served best by having the Democrats hold the balance of power in the Senate. With this belief, I am eager to assist the Australian Democrats to restore and continue that role as much as I can. My commitment includes contesting the seat of Capricornia.

"I firmly believe your vote for the Australian Democrats will ensure that issues of importance can once again be debated and will allow common sense to return to the parliament."