For immediate release – 24 March 2015
As the 2015 NSW election campaign draws to a close, the NSW Council of Churches has urged voters to be aware of so-called forgotten issues and to consider the moral implications of party policies as they go to the polls.
“The policy platform of each political party, as well as the policy priorities of each candidate, involves ethical issues with moral implications for this State and its communities. Every election is an opportunity to examine the issues at stake and determine how particular policies sit with one’s personal ethical principles,” Council President, the Reverend Dr Ross Clifford, said
“Religiously committed voters should consider the moral teachings of their faith and apply an ethical test to party policies as they cast their votes on Saturday. Some of the most significant and far-reaching issues have received very little media coverage. There is no doubt that the forgotten issues will be back on the table on Monday morning. On a wide range of issues, it matters who governs NSW and who holds the balance of power. Voters should vote strategically and prayerfully on Saturday,” Dr Clifford said.
“For example, many NSW voters do not support a radical change to the legal definition of marriage, and this will be an important issue in Saturday’s election. The NSW Council of Churches strongly supports the biblical principle of marriage exclusively between one man and one woman. Alternatives to this longstanding principle are not part of our culture and heritage,” Dr Clifford said.
Gambling reform is another forgotten issue. More could be done to implement effective harm minimisation strategies for gambling, including stronger regulation of gambling advertising and a $1 bet limit for all electronic gaming machines. If enforced, such laws would go a long way to addressing the public health risks to NSW residents arising from problem gambling.
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Media contact Rod Benson on 0412 421 678
NSW Council of Churches 
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