Georgie Purcell will head the ticket for the Animal Justice Party in the upper house district of Northern Victoria at the November state election.
Ms Purcell, who lives in Kyneton, is an animal rescuer with 16 rescued sheep, three horses, a 42-year-old donkey, four ex-puppy farm dogs and four rescue cats at home.
She currently works as chief of staff to Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick.
“After four years working in the Victorian Parliament, I’ve seen the change we can make by having one representative for animals,” she said.
“With even more, the Animal Justice Party will be a stronger political force for animals, people and the planet.”
Ms Purcell, a lawyer and former unionist, said ending recreational duck shooting, protecting wildlife, creating a new position of Minister for Animal Protection, incentivising plant-based agriculture and improving affordability and accessibility of veterinary services were policy priorities.
Beyond her passion for animal protection, she cares about job security, improving access to abortion and other health services in regional areas and the representation of young women in political systems.
"More and more Victorian voters are losing faith in the major parties and are seeking an alternative. When elected, I will work pragmatically with the government to improve the lives of animals and people in our region,” she said.