GREENMOUNT resident Delia Richardson wants to protect animals and forests, advocate for those with disability, and provide vet cost relief as the Animal Justice Party’s candidate for Midland.

Ms Richardson has lived in Greenmount for 18 years and said she has developed a strong sense of community with her daughter going to school in the area.

“Midland is a wonderful and diverse electorate, which is why I am proud to represent its local people, animals and natural environment,” she said.

Ms Richardson will be promoting the Animal Justice Party’s key campaign for this election, ‘Veticare’- a subsidised healthcare system which it says will help wildlife, pets, and their owners.

The model based on the ‘Medicare’ system for humans will most benefit low-income earners and wildlife carers, as well as see the establishment of specialised wildlife hospitals and support for the veterinary profession.

“The primary driver that led me to stand as a candidate was knowing how voiceless our animals are,” Ms Richardson said.

“Right now, many animals are at great risk of neglect and abuse and many rescue organisations are at, or beyond, capacity.

“With around 70 per cent of us sharing our homes with pets, I plan to represent families who are doing it tough and struggling to pay for rising vet bills.

“The principle of giving a voice to the voiceless has always resonated with me, and I also see this reflected in Midland’s disability community.

“Too often, the most marginalised and vulnerable communities are left behind.”

Ms Richardson said as a first-time candidate, most of her contact with community was from daily life.

“Interacting with business owners and families, chatting with locals while walking my rescue dogs, having important discussions with people while letterboxing flyers throughout Midland; these are all ways that I’m able to immerse myself in the community and hear first-hand from locals,” she said.

“I am also only an email away – I encourage anyone with a query or concern to reach out so we can talk about it.”

Ms Richardson said what set her apart from other candidates was also what she saw to be a defining characteristic of the area she wished to represent.

“Earlier in life, I enjoyed all the privileges that accompany a white person born to a devoted married couple with full access to healthcare and education,” she said.

“With the breakdown of my own relationship, I suddenly found myself homeless with a toddler diagnosed with a disability at birth.

“It has provided me with great empathy for the struggles of others.

“I think there is a celebrated history of resilient people in Midland and surrounding areas.

“I have wide-ranging life experiences to represent and fight for our community.”