Vasse Poll: More than religious views

Australian Christians candidate Wayne Barnett says voters don't have to be religious to put him number one on their ballot paper next Saturday.

The Busselton horticulture manager said he wanted to give Vasse voters who were disenchanted with the major parties another option.

"Regardless of what the majority of people think about religion, we're not about religion," he said.

"We stand for integrity and trying to see good biblical practices maintained."

Mr Barnett's history with the area goes back to his childhood, when his father ran The Ship Hotel and he attended Busselton Senior High School.

He has since spent time in Perth and Lake Grace before settling in Busselton 12 years ago.

The father-of-three first ran for office in the 2008 State election in the seat of Collie Preston, followed by a campaign for the federal seat of Forrest last year.

"I've probably always been interest in politics and somebody said why don't you put your money where your mouth is and do something about it," Mr Barnett said.

"The chances of us getting elected are minute but if we can get enough votes we'll have a say in who does get elected through our preferences and that’s our focus at the moment."

Mr Barnett has a number of local issues on his to-do-list.

He said people came to Busselton because of the "unique" foreshore and this was something that should be maintained.

"The second bypass is going to be imperative," he said.

"I think it needs to be done now.

"Something needs to be done about Ford Road to have another access into town … (and) I'd really like to see the Vasse River cleaned up — it's an absolute disgrace at the moment."

Mr Barnett is not afraid to stray into big-picture issues.

He said the Australian Christians promoted strong moral principles and part of this was opposition to same-sex marriage, euthanasia and abortion.

"The rules that we live by were placed there by our forefathers for our protection," he said.

"We need limitations. If we allow euthanasia or late term abortion we’re pulling down the fences that were put up for our protection to the detriment of society."

Mr Barnett said the Australian Christians also promoted environmental sustainability.

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