Monique Ryan knocks back ‘unreasonable’ costing question

Independent candidate for Kooyong, Monique Ryan, has knocked back queries about how much her key policy would cost.

Dr Ryan — a popular independent who has raised $1.2 million for her campaign — is running against Josh Frydenberg.

She says addressing climate change her top priority, and she wants to see carbon emissions cut by 60 per cent by 2030.

Neil Mitchell queried the cost involved with reaching that emissions reduction goal.

But Dr Ryan said that wasn’t “really a reasonable question”.

“We’re talking about a number of different pieces of legislation,” she said.

NEIL MITCHELL: “Fair go, you’ve told me what the benefit is, isn’t it fair to tell me what the cost is?”

MONIQUE RYAN: “I’ve told you what the benefit is, I don’t quite understand how you can then ask what the cost is. We’re talking about a number of different pieces of legislation.”

Dr Ryan also revealed where she stands on several key policies:

On turning back the boats:

The turn back the boats policy has worked well for us, I wouldn’t be changing that at this point in time,” she said.

On offshore detention:

“I think it’s cruel and inhumane to keep people in offshore detention. It’s not necessary. We need to treat people with humanity and respect, determine their cases quickly and look after them whether they stay here or go elsewhere,” she said.

On tax:

Dr Ryan evaded questions about whether she’d support a higher tax on income earners.

“We need tax reform,” she said.

“I would support a decent, measured reform of our tax system that occurs over a five, to 10, to 15 year period that gives us all some certainty about our retirement, our retirement plans and how our children can afford homes.”

Press PLAY below for the full interview