1. Briefly tell us about yourself and your background.
Petrus Vandersteen, a professional musician with a diverse background in security and the tech industry, has been announced as the Trumpet of Patriots candidate for the NSW electorate of Parkes at the upcoming Federal Election.
Mr Vandersteen brings a strong voice for everyday Australians, calling for commonsense policies and a return to practical governance.
“Australians are crying out for leadership that understands real life - not the career politics of the Canberra bubble,” Mr Vandersteen said.
“Trumpet of Patriots is the real alternative to the ‘uni-party’ of Labor and the Coalition, who’ve become indistinguishable in their failure to address the core issues hurting our communities.”
With firsthand experience across creative, technical, and security sectors, Mr Vandersteen says he will bring a no-nonsense, solutions-focused approach to Parliament.
“I’m standing for the people of Parkes who feel forgotten, who want their country back, and who deserve a representative who’ll speak plainly, act boldly, and always put Australia first,” he said.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, and if elected, what principles would govern your representation as Parkes’ federal MP?
I hate to be the sideline whinger, so I decided (again) to stand up for what I believe in and represent like minded souls. I stand for a practical problem solving approach, through transparency, accountability and integrity.
3. What are your three key issues in Parkes and what action/policy/plan do you have to make a difference?
1. Block with all means that toxic waste incinerator plan in Parkes, state or not. I’ll man the barricades!
2. Housing and cost of living issues. We can do a whole lot better than what’s happening now. Cap mortgages at 3%, put a moratorium on rent hikes.
3. Inflation is a sign of a devaluing dollar. Bring back manufacturing and self-sufficiency as a nation, and consider cheap, clean and safe thorium based nuclear power, tried, tested and approved by a dozen of other nations. Low power prices benefit everything from families to corporations!
Earn it before we spend it. Put up a 15% excise (paid by other countries) on our mining exports like iron ore to pay for our national debt in record time.
4. Explain how you would help create more opportunities for youth in Parkes – specifically around employment and education – to help diminish the need for people to leave the area?
Decentralised government, bringing back manufacturing and cheaper housing, cutting red tape and bureaucracy, stimulating entrepreneurship, cutting power prices and stimulating a positive attitude, we DO have a bright future !
5. Specifically for the towns of Parkes and Forbes, what change would you like to see or actions implemented?
All of the above.
6. An Energy from Waste plant has been proposed to be built in Parkes NSW, within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct - while we understand this is a state matter, it is also the biggest issue in our region right now. Where do you stand on the Energy from Waste debate?
See above.
7. In your final pitch to the Parkes electorate, why should they vote for you?
Only vote for me if you agree with what I believe in. Because you are either going to love me or hate me, because I intend to deliver, come hell or high water, what is needed.