By Parker McKenzie
Alyssa Wormald has a long history of advocating for Australia’s wildlife, having previously campaigned with the Coalition Against Duck Shooting, founded the Australian Native Parrot Protection Association, helped launch the Save the Kinley Kangas campaign and as a member of the steering committee for the International Kangaroo Protection Alliance.
After nominating as the Animal Justice Party’s candidate for Bayswater, Ms Wormald said her first foray into politics was inspired by a frustration at the lack of progressive options on the ballot.
“I am a passionate wildlife advocate and we desperately need representation from the AJP in parliament to ensure there is a voice for wildlife,” she said.
“This is our best hope for ending recreational duck shooting and the relentless persecution and exploitation of kangaroos.
“This is so important not only to prevent cruelty and population declines but to protect people from the risk of emergent zoonotic disease. I am also a firm believer in the need to change our food system to prevent cruelty and preserve the environment.”
Ms Wormald also advocates for the green burial movement and runs a business with her sister providing environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional burial products.
She said there are currently many issues affecting Victorians and residents living in the Bayswater electorate.
“Some major concerns are the declining state of the environment, the rising cost of living, unaffordable housing and poor access to bulk billed medical care,” she said.
“Ultimately most want progressive change to deliver a future where the next generation will have equal opportunities, health, security and freedom amongst a flourishing natural world.”
It’s no surprise that the Animal Justice Party would support saving the man-made dam dubbed ‘Lake Knox’, where the development has seen widespread community opposition.
Ms Wormald said she stands with those wanting to protect it in “its current form where it is important established habitat for indigenous plants and wildlife, including the endangered Blue-billed Duck.”
“In my time as a duck rescuer, I have held these amazing birds in my arms as they died from shotgun injuries. Despite not being a so-called game bird they inevitably become collateral damage,” she said.
“Native waterbirds are in big trouble and whichever government is elected in November needs to immediately ban duck shooting and preserve quality waterbird habitat like Lake Knox.”
For more information about Alyssa Wormald’s campaign, visit vic.animaljusticeparty.org/alyssa_wormald_for_bayswater
