1.    When and why did you decide to become a politician?
I have been interested in politics since my final year at High School. I studied politics and teaching at University and became involved in the environment movement at the same time.

I believe strongly in participatory democracy. It is a great privilege to have the freedom to stand up and speak for what you believe in. This year I was asked to nominate as a candidate for the Greens. I couldn’t refuse. I care about people, the Australian environment and our world. It was a logical step to represent the Greens at this year’s election and speak for what I believe in.

2.    What do you think are the issues that matter to young people?
The issues of importance to young people have the same scope as those facing older people, but with even more emphasis on the big problems of the future: taking serious action to address climate change and water, ensuring job security and fair conditions of work, maintaining investment in public education and health, and ensuring an independent role for Australia in world affairs based on human rights. Particular issues for young people include affordable rental housing and the increasing cost of education.

3.    How do you plan to address these issues?

• The Greens have a real plan for tackling climate change based on what the science says we need, not what the coal industry is prepared to accept.
• We want to shred all of WorkChoices not just tinker around the edges of Howard's workplace laws.
• We would prioritise funding of public schools, universities and technical colleges as well as public hospitals. The government has tipped the balance too far to private schools and private health insurance companies.
• We need to withdraw Australia's troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and work for real action on global poverty. Our policy must be based on human rights not what George Bush wants.
• We would scrap university fees for domestic students and cancel HECS/HELP debts - we want education funding based on need, with a focus on public education.

I am not that old myself. At 31 I am a relatively young candidate. The main way I engage with young people is through my social activities. Whether attending music festivals, parties, or concerts, I keep in touch with my younger side and get a constant feel for the youth of Australia. It inspires me to be with younger people, as I generally find them to be very optimistic, positive and alternative in their thinking. They more often can envision a different world, full of possibilities.

I have visited LaTrobe University and met with students at a stall. I will be judging a student song competition later this month. Earlier this year I played football with the local footy club. I believe I’m in good touch with Australian youth.

5.    What did you care about when you were a young voter?
I am still a young voter. I have always cared about the same things - environment, social justice, peace, and democracy.

6.    What is your opinion of young people in Australia?
They are as concerned and engaged as any generation. I have been impressed and inspired by many young people's desire for change and willingness to take action on the big issues, like climate change.

7.    How do you think our political system can better engage with younger voters?
Change the voting age to give 16-18 year olds a vote.

8.    What are the key long-term challenges facing Australia?

• Tackling the threats of climate change, water and degradation of the environment.
• Dealing with the gap between rich and poor which is growing in Australia and globally.
• Dealing with the many conflicts that exist in our region and will get worse because of those problems.

9.    If you could change one thing about Australia what would it be?
At the moment, the Government. But a real change of Government – The Greens. With Bob Brown as Prime Minister. Real action on climate change, fully funded public education and health systems, establishing true reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, the end of the nuclear industry, the best public transport system in the world… I could go on and on.

10.    Describe a time when your political opinion was challenged or changed.
During High School I spent a lot of time debating with my peers, and I owe them a lot. Through discussions on everything, my opinions were challenged and, in my own time, changed and I developed a new way of looking at the world. 

11.    What’s your favourite thing about your electorate?
It’s my home. I was born here. I am connected to the land and feel comfortable in the dry, box-ironbark forests of Central Victoria. It is truly a beautiful place to live.

12.    What do you do to relax?
I walk daily through the bush in Kalimna park, near where I live in Castlemaine. The peace and quiet, the flora and fauna are priceless.

To contact Toby, email: bendigo@greens.org.au