AD talks to Lin Hatfield Dodds, Greens Candidate for ACT Senate Seat.

This afternoon the Aussie Democrazy team had the amazing opportunity to interview the Greens candidate for the Federal ACT Senate seat, Lin Hatfield Dodds, about her life, the campaign trail and her hopes for life as a Senator. We were lucky to be able to use Twitter as our interview tool. Here’s our conversation.

@lin4thesenate Vikram has two questions. We’ll take them 1 at a time. What attracted you to the @greens, rather than the other parties? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Thanks Vikram! The @Greens are about the future, for people and the planet. The party’s values and mine are aligned. #ads

@lin4thesenate Vikram also asks: Why the Senate, why not the House of Representatives? Is there more power in one of the other? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy In the ACT, unlike Melbourne, the @Greens can’t make inroads in the HoR (this election), but can make a real difference in the Sen8 #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Vikram, did you know that ACT Senators (and those from the NT) take their seats immediately after the election? #ads

@Lin4theSenate So there’s no waiting time? The other Senators have to wait until July 2011, yes? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Yes. That’s right. Territory Sen8rs don’t have to wait until July 1. State Se8rs do. #ads

@lin4thesenate John asks: What are some of the things you would try to change upon becoming a Senator? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy stronger voice for the ACT, a better deal for low-income and vulnerable aussies and real climate action now. #ads

@aussiedemocrazy good question John – needs 2 tweet answer: better deal for asylum seekers, students and older australians #ads

@aussiedemocrazy (3rd tweet) listening to, working with and closing the gap for Indigenous Australia #ads

@lin4thesenate Ibrahim asks: How has becoming a candidate for political office changed your life? Are there more responsibilities? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Thanks Ibrahim. I’m busy meeting people in the community, but I used to work in the community sector, where I was pretty busy 2 #ads

@aussiedemocrazy If I’m elected, there will be many more responsibilities, but for now, my job is to listen and to engage with the ACT community #ads

 @lin4thesenate Christian asks: What are the qualifications required for becoming a candidate for Senator? Are there any prerequisites? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Thx Christian. I had to get preselected by the ACT @Greens. I can’t be bankrupt. I have to be Australian. Helps if…(1/2)

@aussiedemocrazy …you have a real desire represent your community, and contribute to Australian public life #ads

@lin4thesenate William asks: What did you do before becoming a candidate for political office? What made you go towards politics?

@aussiedemocrazy Ta Will. I ran UnitingCare Australia (ntl body for Australia’s largest community services network)… #ads (1/2)

@lin4thesenateWas president of @ACOSS. And I’ve worked in the public service. Politics because lots of our structures are unjust and need changing #ads 

@lin4thesenate Will also asks: How many other candidates are you running against? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Hi Will. Nominations close tomorrow, so we don’t know yet. The current contenders are Labor, Liberal, Dems and @Greens #ads

@lin4thesenate Chaz & Daniel ask: Do you have people on the campaign trail who advise you on what to say and do? #ads 

@aussiedemocrazy C+D, I’ve got a great campaign team (@simoncopland is my camp. mgr) who provide advice, support. But my words are my own. #ads

@lin4thesenate Chaz & Daniel also ask: Are there rules you have to follow if you are elected and have to vote on laws? #ads 

@aussiedemocrazy I discuss laws with my colleagues, talk with experts in the field, u/stand @Greens policy, but I decide how I vote. #ads 32 minutes ago via web in reply.  

@aussiedemocrazy I believe its critically important 4 pollies to say what they mean, speak themselves, and tell the truth. #ads (good Q c+d)

@lin4thesenate Mr Stuchbery interjecting: So @greens don’t force Senators to vote on a particular party line? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Nice question Mr. S. Robust debate in party room, and a shared set of values, but no forcing. #ads

@Lin4theSenate Mr Stuchbery says: Very interesting. Suspect not so much the norm in other parties. #ads

@lin4thesenate More from Chaz & Daniel: Is there a limit on how much you can spend advertising? Where does the money come from? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy no legal limit, but @Greens are very careful to only accept donations from ethical sources e.g no tobacco or alcohol co.s #ads

@aussiedemocrazy most @Greens donations come from individuals who share our view of a cleaner, fairer future #ads

@lin4thesenate Will asks: Are there any special areas you’d focus on as Senator? Do you have a jurisdiction over an area within party? #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Hi Will, portfolios won’t be decided until we know which @Greens are elected. I’m passion8 about many issues…#ads (1/2)

@aussiedemocrazy …especially poverty, social exclusion, justice for Indigenous Australia and climate action. #ads

@lin4thesenate Vikram again: Do you think that the @greens are becoming a greater force in politics? We mostly hear about Lab and Libs. #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Yes. The @Greens are Oz’s fastest growing political party. More than 1mil votes last Fed election. We r the 3rd 4ce #ads

@lin4thesenate Ok, Mr S here. The school bell has rung and the day is over. We’d like to thank you for your time. We wish you all the best…

@lin4thesenate …for the campaign and we hope that we’ll be able to talk to you as a Senator for the ACT in the coming months. @aussiedemocrazy Thank you. Gr8 that you are taking an interest in your future, and the pollies who will make decisions that affect you #ads

@aussiedemocrazy Thanks. I hope so too. Gotta fly too, off to more campaigning. #ads  

@lin4thesenate It’s been great using Twitter as an interview tool and we think it’s great you’re using it to reach out to the public!

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