In this episode of The Good Vote John Anderson joins Tim Costello and Mel Wade to discuss one of the 'hot-button' issues for Christians: religious freedom.

Episode guest: John Anderson

John Anderson is the former Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister. He spent 19 years from 1989 serving in the Australian Parliament.

Anderson was Acting Prime Minister during the 9/11 attacks and was involved in the decision to provide $1 billion in aid following the 2004 Indonesian tsunami.

Whilst in office, Anderson, a Christian faith, sought to respect the dictum that another’s right to speak should always be defended, even if he disagreed with them, gaining him respect and admiration across the parliamentary spectrum.

When he left politics in 2005, Kim Beazley, his political opponent and Leader of the Opposition at the time, said, “I must say I am deeply sorry to see the honourable gentleman resign his position… I think that the Deputy Prime Minister has made a name for himself in this parliament as a man of great heart —a good-hearted family man.”

Since retiring from politics, Anderson has continued to comment on topics such as civic freedoms, global food security, modern slavery and the economy. In 2011, Anderson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his support of rural and regional communities.

He's also a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from New South Wales, and currently farms on the family property whilst also being active through various directorships, in public speaking and in the not-for-profit sector.

A full transcript of this episode will be available soon at eternitynews.com.au/thegoodvote. Be sure to check out Eternity News' Election Guide for a more detailed look at this election's key issues.