Cr Dr Dorothy Robinson is currently positioned as the Greens party candidate for the upcoming 2024 Northern Tablelands by-election in New South Wales. Her long-standing role as a councillor for Armidale has been marked by active involvement in community campaigns and initiatives.
Dorothy encourages community engagement and support through various means, including volunteering and donations to her campaign.
Dorothy Robinson has resided in Armidale for over three decades, contributing significantly to the community through her expertise in science and environmental stewardship. Her career as a principal research scientist has encompassed critical areas such as animal genetics, statistical analysis, and research aimed at reducing the effects of global warming.
This scientific prowess has been integral to her approach in local governance and environmental policy.
In the early 1990s, Dorothy utilized her knowledge in mathematics and science to design and build a passive solar house, a pioneering project at the time that resulted in remarkably low energy costs. A notable advancement in her sustainable living efforts was the installation of rooftop solar panels in 2010, which not only became financially self-sustaining within four years but also allowed her household to net-export electricity, showcasing a successful model of energy independence.
Dorothy strongly believes that enhancing quality of life involves more than just economic growth—it requires a balanced approach to community development that includes fair taxation and sustainable urban planning. She is a vocal advocate against the financial burden shifting from federal and state governments to local councils.
Her leadership emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships and funding that support necessary community services and infrastructure improvements, in line with global health standards.
Dorothy's approach to sustainable development is comprehensive, advocating for the establishment of energy-efficient homes and industries that are environmentally benign. She stresses the importance of locating new residential developments near major employment and commercial hubs to promote alternative transportation options like walking and biking, reducing the community's carbon footprint.
Moreover, Dorothy champions greater transparency and accountability within local government operations. She supports the implementation of accessible digital tools that facilitate effective communication between residents and the council, thereby enhancing civic engagement and collective decision-making in community affairs.
The Australian Greens, identifying as a social democratic party under the leadership of Adam Bandt, adhere to four main pillars. Social justice, sustainability, grassroots democracy, and peace and non-violence, reflecting their alignment with global green politics.
They champion environmentalism through initiatives like recycling expansion, conservation, and a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030 via a Green New Deal, which includes investment in renewable technology and Australian manufacturing for green energy solutions. Financially, they advocate for equitable taxation, opposing tax cuts favoring high income earners, promoting a wealth tax on billionaires, and supporting the creation of a publicly owned bank.
The Greens call for enhanced welfare policies, affordable housing, rent caps, increased income support, free public transport and childcare, and debt forgiveness for students. They support universal healthcare expansion, including dental and mental health, reproductive rights, drug law reform, and legal cannabis.
Socially, they push for marriage equality, asylum rights, and gender equality, alongside political reforms like donation caps and an anti-corruption watchdog. In agriculture, they emphasize animal welfare and climate resilience, opposing live exports in favor of ethical practices.
Their foreign policy advocates for independent and transparent international relations, and they support electoral reforms towards proportional representation.