ANIMAL Justice Party candidate Chloe Coulson will contest the seat of Hastings in the upcoming state election.
Coulson joined the party in early 2026 after deciding she wanted to have a greater impact on environmental change on a political level.
Coulson has a background in disability, social work, and community development and has plans to undertake a Master of Teaching next year.
“I’ve always been very passionate about the community, environment, and animals,” said Coulson.
“I actually live right on the border between Frankston and the Hastings electorate, and I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering there, particularly with environmental groups.”
Coulson said she became involved with the party due to frustrations around animal rights and environmental protection in the area.
“I got in touch with the Animal Justice Party, and I was very fortunate and lucky and privileged that they selected me to be a candidate in this election,” said Coulson.
She said her passion and dedication are what set her apart from the other candidates.
“I think the policies that I promote and advocate for are all things that I really do care about,” said Coulson.
“I think that care is reflected in everything that I do, whether that be my work, volunteering, causes I support, or all the work I put in for the AJP.”
Coulson said she is particularly passionate about updating current animal protection legislation to acknowledge animals as sentient beings.
“Victoria’s animal welfare laws are well behind other states and territories,” said Coulson.
“The new legislation that’s been drafted by the AJP would help bring us in line with other states.”
Coulson said animals are a big part of people’s lives in Hastings, whether it be pets, wildlife, or farm animals.
Coulson said the cost-of-living crisis is likely contributing to the increase in animal neglect and cruelty cases but also noted the connection between human health and animal care.
“When people are suffering from mental health conditions or suddenly hospitalised, or going back to family violence, and living with a violent person, we tend to see greater neglect and abuse cases of animals,” said Coulson.
“There’s a very clear link between animal welfare reform and human safety, and I think both of those things need to be supported.”
She noted the benefits of the AJP’s proposed bill for Veticare, a Medicare-style veterinary system.
“It’s designed to make pet care and wildlife medical treatment free or low cost,” said Coulson.
“That would alleviate a lot of costs for people who otherwise might have to make some pretty tough choices between what they’re able to afford and their pet.”
She said it would also ease costs for wildlife rescuers and carers who would otherwise have to spend the money themselves.
“Animal care and protection has some very tangible benefits to people,” said Coulson.
She said AJP policies are not single-issue and are interconnected to other areas.
“What is good for animals is very good for people too,” said Coulson.
Coulson said her other priorities include protecting wildlife corridors, public transport, the homelessness crisis, and easing the cost of living.
“I think particularly in the Hastings electorate, our roads are shocking, and public transport does not exist,” said Coulson.
“A top priority for the community is very much rebuilding Coolart Rd, fixing potholes, and I’d like to extend that into creating wildlife-appropriate infrastructure on our roads as well.”
Coulson said regular buses and trains in the Hastings electorate would help ease the cost of living and increase access to the community.
“The Mornington Peninsula has the highest number of people sleeping rough out of any local government area in Victoria and a large portion of them are in Hastings,” said Coulson.
“And most of those people are women, and a large portion of those women are women fleeing violence or are older women aged over 50.
“We have a lack of services that provide adequate mental healthcare and adequate care for people experiencing violence.”
Coulson also said she has been in contact with the shire and written a submission regarding the proposed divestment of HMAS Cerberus land.
“I’m very much of the opinion that it absolutely should be a reserve, and it should be quite protected,” said Coulson.
“I would also like to see some provisions put in place, whatever happens down there, to minimise [wildlife road strikes], and increase those crossing points for animals.”
Coulson said she is not a career politician and is not looking to make money.
“I’m literally just someone from the community who cares and wants to help create change,” said Coulson.
Coulson will join Labor incumbent Paul Mercurio, Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler, One Nation candidate Peter Angelico and Greens candidate Isaac Willoughby in the contest for Hastings.
First published in the Western Port News – 21 October 2026
