Here's where e-Democracy hits the ground running! As part of our exciting new Online Question Time initiative, we're inviting kids from all over Australia to put their elected representatives on the spot, and ask them about the issues that matter to the young people of  Australia.

Our first guest is the Hon Chris Pearce MP, Member for Aston (Victoria), Liberal Party of Australia.

Currently the Opposition's Scrutiny of Government Spokesman and Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, Chris Pearce was first elected to Parliament in 2001, and served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer from October 2004 until November 2007. Prior to joining the political fray Chris held a number of senior corporate positions, and was an active member of  industry associations including: the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Marketing Institute, The Economist's CEO Forum and the CEO Institute of Australia. Chris lives in his electorate of Aston with his wife, Andrea, and family.

http://www.chrispearcemp.com

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The following questions were submitted by the students of Holy Savior Primary School, Knox School and Rowville Secondary College.

QUESTION TIME FOR CHRIS PEARCE STARTS NOW

Nathan, a year 5 student from Holy Savior Primary School, asks: "Could all the parks in Vermont South be cleared of dead trees so that they are safe for children to play games?"

CP: Nathan, I agree with you wholeheartedly.  While this is an issue for the Government of Victoria, I will take this matter up with my State colleagues and ask them to pursue action on your behalf. 

Samara, a year 5 student from Holy Savior Primary School, asks: "Could all the electrical wires for homes and schools go under ground so that it would prevent any blackouts?"

CP: Thank you for your question, Samara.  While most new areas have underground wiring, many older areas still have the older style above ground installations.  Again, this is a State issue, and I will speak with my State colleagues regarding this matter.

Ben, a year 5 student from Holy Savior Primary School, asks: "If there are any plans to install Water Tanks in primary schools so that we can save water to prevent our plants from dying?"

CP: That's a great idea, Ben. In fact, the previous Coalition Government thought of this plan as well and instituted the Community Water Grants program that enabled dozens of schools in our local community to install Water Tanks. I am a very strong supporter of the Community Water Grants program and I hope the Rudd Government will continue to support the program into the future.

Rhian Margate, year 11 student from the Knox School, and Anna, a year 5 student from Holy Savior Primary School, both ask: "Why are professions such as teaching, nursing and the police that require so much input into society always payed so low? These people work so very hard and give so much to the community!"

CP:  We are of the same opinion, Rhian and Anna. Teachers, police officers and nurses, along with paramedics and fire fighters, are essential for the health, safety and future of Australia. I truly believe these professions go largely unrecognised and should be compensated for the enormous contribution they make to our local community.

Taylor Brown, year 11 student from the Knox School, asks: "Over the past decade the Victorian Road Toll has dropped significantly. However, weekly on the news we still see many young people in serious accidents. Do you think that apart from advertising we need to increase penalties even further to stop the carnage on the road?"

CP: Taylor, I believe that the Government should invest in further education as the best course of action for the long term outcome of Road Toll reduction. While further penalties are appropriate to punish the offender, it would be a great outcome if we can stop the behaviour from occurring in the first place!  

Jake Baxter, year 11 student from the Knox School, asks: "Many schools in Victoria concentrate mainly on Academic Performance through their VCE. Although there are VET and VCAL courses available, will the government ever go back to introducing more "trade schools" considering our lack of trade persons that we have today?"

CP: I believe a career in a trade is a valuable and worthwhile consideration for all school students, Jake.  I am totally committed to seeing the progressive roll out of Australian Technical Colleges across the nation, and for Australian students to have a real choice in what vocation they decide to pursue.   

Tamara Hollett, year 12 student from the Knox School, asks: "How can the government help in increasing the idea of Values and Morals more to our young people today? There seems to be more violence and selfishness."

CP:  Tamara, I believe we all have a responsibility to educate our local community on what is the right thing to do.  I fully support the concept of moral and ethical education becoming a core component in schooling in Australia, both in primary and secondary years.

Nielson Del Rosario, Year 9, from Rowville Secondary College, asks: "What is your stance on the continued Republican debate?"

CP:  Thanks for that timely question, Nielson.  I do not believe this debate is a priority for Australia's future. There are much greater issues that need to be addressed, and I believe the constitutional arrangements in place now continue to serve our nation well.

Erin Scott, Year 11, Sam Figgis ,Year 11 and Sarah Groves, Year 10, from Rowville Secondary College, ask: "What structures or plans do you think need to be put in place within the next 5 years in our region to minimise our impact on the environment, specifically in the areas of water conservation, energy usage and carbon emissions?"

CP: We all have a role to play in helping our environment, Erin, Sam and Sarah.  From an individual perspective, being environmentally sensitive in the purchasing and usage of household appliances, cleaning agents and one's energy consumption is paramount.  I also support a global approach to tackling the wider issue of greenhouse gas emissions.

Catherine Umipig, Year 11, Josh Davis, Year 11 and Jonathon Mavroudis, Year 11, from Rowville Secondary College, ask: "The lack of public transport infrastructure in our region is an ongoing issue. What do you believe should be done to fix this?"

CP:  Thank you for the question, Catherine, Josh and Jonathon.  I have been a long time advocate for increased public transport services in our local community.  There are many public transport needs in our region, however I believe key initiatives include a rail line extension to Rowville and the extension of the tram line to Knox City Shopping Centre.

Justin Turner, Year 11, and Rohel Ali, Year 11, from Rowville Secondary College, ask: "What do you believe needs to be done to improve access to tertiary and higher education courses?"

CP:  You have both touched on a very important issue, Justin and Rohel.  I believe universities should be allowed greater autonomy to meet market demands for whatever courses are most popular, as the popularity of courses is usually a good indicator of the market's need for the skill set the course imparts.  This should enable a greater number of students to participate in those popular courses.

Gerard Polido-Bourrilhon, Year 11, and Cassandra Shillingford, Year 11, from Rowville Secondary College, ask: "Do you think the lack of enforceability associated with legislative changes controlling alcohol availability and consumption negates the time to be invested in debate and implementation?"

CP:  In my opinion, Gerard and Cassandra, any discussion focussed on ways to curtail the excessive consumption of alcohol in our local community is an important contribution.  It is only with the free exchange of ideas that our community, and the nation, can transparently determine the best course of action to deal with this significant health and social problem.