Greens choose Hilary McAllister to run in Wannon

THE Greens have announced environmental advocate Hilary McAllister as their candidate for the seat of Wannon to run against incumbent Liberal Dan Tehan in next year’s federal election.

Based in Aireys Inlet, Ms McAllister is the co-founder of grassroots not-for-profit For Wild Places, and grew up on a broadacre sheep and wheat farm in north-western Victoria.

The 32-year-old says she has first-hand experience of the devastating effects drought has on farming communities and will be campaigning for bold, necessary climate action at the 2022 poll.

“The people of this beautiful region are frustrated and they’re concerned,” she said.

“Both major parties have let them down, and we are out of time.

“I intend to be a bold and inspirational advocate for people throughout our diverse community; to amplify their voices, and fight for a better future for all constituents.”

Wannon has been a Liberal stronghold since 1955, when Malcolm Fraser won the seat and held it for nearly three decades.

Mr Tehan was elected to the seat in 2010 and presently holds it by a margin of more than 10 per cent, but Ms McAllister said there was “no such thing as a safe seat” in 2022.

“As part of a Greens coalition government, my priorities will be effective and immediate action on climate, protection of environmental resources, addressing housing affordability and future-proofing regional agriculture with support for innovative and sustainable solutions.”

“The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park must be protected. We know that any new gas mining adds to the already dangerous acceleration of climate change, and jeopardises both the pristine Southern Ocean ecosystems, and the economic life blood of thriving coastal communities. Not only should there be no new gas in the Otway Basin, but there should be no new gas, full stop.

“Our beautiful coastal communities aren’t for sale – our farmers, small business owners and families need a strong voice. I will be a hardworking, bold representative for the people of Wannon so that we can flourish in a renewable, net zero future.

“And the best part is, if just a few hundred people changed their vote from the last election, the Greens can be in the balance of power and be able to push the next government to go further and faster on the climate crisis.”