{"id":49161,"date":"2022-03-01T04:30:26","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T17:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/?p=49161"},"modified":"2022-03-01T16:34:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T05:34:24","slug":"animal-justice-party-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/news\/animal-justice-party-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Justice Party endorses local candidates"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE Animal Justice Party (AJP) has endorsed its candidates for Corangamite and Corio for this year\u2019s federal election.<\/p>\n

Meg Watkins will stand for the party in Corangamite, while Naomi Adams will contest the seat of Corio.<\/p>\n

Ms Watkins, an animal and environmental advocate, lives on the Surf Coast.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a lifelong resident of this region, I have seen first-hand the various issues facing humans and animals in our electorate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.”<\/p>\n

She said the AJP\u2019s priorities were to advocate for an end to live animal export and animal testing, and protect Country through rewilding and conservation to protect Australia\u2019s rich biodiversity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need real leadership and immediate action to protect against the harsh realities of climate change.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will advocate for the protection and expansion of the NDIS, and establishing a genuine treaty with First Nations Australians.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people of Corangamite deserve a compassionate, authentic and dedicated representative. Someone who balances idealism with real-world results.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be the rational voice our locals need, and a voice for the voiceless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Animal Justice Party candidate Naomi Adams will contest the seat of Corio.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ms Adams is a psychologist who has lived and worked in the Geelong region for 15 years who has \u201cprovided services for the whole community, including veterans and their families, victims of crime, youth and the LGBTQIA+ community\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cA firm believer of \u2018walking the talk\u2019, I am involved in various forms of advocacy including duck rescue and fundraising for animal rescue groups,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She said the wellbeing of all residents in the Corio electorate was her top priority. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said the AJP\u2019s other priorities included:<\/p>\n