Simon Baker speaks to high-profile ‘blue-green’ independent Allegraspender as he casts his vote for the Wentworth division at a primary voting booth in Bondi
He is passionate about environmental issues and fighting climate change.
And Hollywood actor Simon Baker on Friday clearly hinted which candidate in the Wentworth electoral department has his vote.
The Mentalist star, 52, stopped to chat with “teal” independent candidate Allegraspender outside a primary voting booth in Sydney’s Bondi Junction.
Election Day: Hollywood actor Simon Baker (right) stopped outside a polling booth in Bondi Junction on Friday to chat with “teal” independent candidate Allegraspender (left).
The couple spoke briefly as Simon, who recently bought a $6million home in nearby Bondi Beach, arrived to cast his ballot at the Margaret Whitlam Recreation Center.
Mrsspender, who wants the next federal government to do tax reform, do more on climate change and establish a federal corruption commission, is running for the seat of Wentworth against Liberal incumbent Dave Sharma.
The Australian general election will take place on Saturday.
Democracy in Action: Their friendly meeting bodes well that Ms.spender has Baker’s vote
Msspender said earlier this month she was ready to negotiate with both sides to prevail if the May 21 election results in a hanging parliament.
Unlike Warringah Independent MP Zali Steggall, Mrsspender is willing to work with the coalition even if Scott Morrison remains its leader.
“It’s not about him personally,” she told ABC’s Insiders program, but about what the politics is and where the country is going.
Contender: Ms.spender, who wants the next federal government to tackle tax reform, do more on climate change and establish a federal corruption commission, is running for the Wentworth seat against Liberal incumbent Dave Sharma
Msspender believes the tax system is broken and the next administration needs to conduct a tax review that will show federal leadership on state taxes like stamp duty and payroll taxes.
She also pointed out that Australia’s two-tier corporate tax rate is 25 and 30 percent, while the OECD average is 21.5 percent.
The GST should be on the table as part of this discussion, taking into account the views of business, unions and the community.
“The business world recognizes that taxes are a productivity issue…we need to talk about it,” she said.
Strong views: Climate change is the crucial issue for Msspender, who said earlier this month: “I hope both sides are ready to do something about it.”
Msspender also wants more foreign workers to be brought to Australia to help offset the decline during two and a half years of Covid-19 pressures.
“Every single company I speak to, whether it’s a local coffee shop or an emerging tech company, speaks to me about skills gaps,” she said.
“I support us increasing public migration to 220,000 over the next two years in line with the Business Council of Australia.”
But climate change is the key issue likely to influence her vote.
“I hope that both sides are willing to do something about it,” she said, adding that she would like to see an emissions reduction target of at least 50 percent.