Based in Bunurong Country in Southern Gippsland, Austin is an ardent animal advocate and lives with 29 rescued animals, including 17 roosters. He studied Urban Planning at RMIT and has been working as a town planner for 8 years, is a committed vegan and regularly volunteers for farm animal sanctuaries and dog rescue. Austin has represented AJP as a candidate twice for the Party with the unique honour of standing in both Upper & Lower House seats in a State Election. Austin co-chaired the Young Animal Justice Party until early 2023.