Animal Justice Party endorses local candidates

THE Animal Justice Party (AJP) has endorsed its candidates for Corangamite and Corio for this year’s federal election.

Meg Watkins will stand for the party in Corangamite, while Naomi Adams will contest the seat of Corio.

Ms Watkins, an animal and environmental advocate, lives on the Surf Coast.

“As a lifelong resident of this region, I have seen first-hand the various issues facing humans and animals in our electorate,” she said.

“I have spent my adult life feeling disappointed by politicians and the options presented to me on the ballot paper. And I know other young people feel the same way: disillusioned and under-represented.

“I have chosen to stand as your candidate for the Animal Justice Party to inspire other young people to lead the way in driving action: climate action, action for animals, and action for the betterment of humans and vulnerable populations.”

She said the AJP’s priorities were to advocate for an end to live animal export and animal testing, and protect Country through rewilding and conservation to protect Australia’s rich biodiversity.

“We need real leadership and immediate action to protect against the harsh realities of climate change.

“I will advocate for the protection and expansion of the NDIS, and establishing a genuine treaty with First Nations Australians.

“The people of Corangamite deserve a compassionate, authentic and dedicated representative. Someone who balances idealism with real-world results.

“I will be the rational voice our locals need, and a voice for the voiceless.”

Ms Adams is a psychologist who has lived and worked in the Geelong region for 15 years who has “provided services for the whole community, including veterans and their families, victims of crime, youth and the LGBTQIA+ community”.

“A firm believer of ‘walking the talk’, I am involved in various forms of advocacy including duck rescue and fundraising for animal rescue groups,” she said.

She said the wellbeing of all residents in the Corio electorate was her top priority. “I am guided by the values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence, and want to see more women and people from diverse backgrounds represented in positions of leadership.”

She said the AJP’s other priorities included:

• Providing immediate action to address climate change, including supporting farmers to transition to sustainable horticulture and plant-based innovation
• Advocating for improvements to Medicare funding for mental health services, and
• Banning the use of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080 poison) to prevent the death of wildlife and domestic animals.

“A vote for me is a vote for the wellbeing of all lives in our wonderful community: humans and animals alike,” Ms Adams said.

She was the AJP’s candidate for Corangamite at the 2019 election, receiving 2,143 first preference votes (or 2.11 per cent).