Mike Fuery is proudly standing as your Animal Justice Party candidate for Benambra. In 2023 Mike retired as a career paramedic after 40 years, having served his current community in Wodonga, based on Duduroa Country, since 1995.

Mike's main work focussed on alleviating the suffering and pain of many people impacted by illness or injury, and to preserve life where he could. In recent years he also played a support role to rural communities during the fire events that ravaged the region.

In recognising that we all suffer equally, Mike holds that while there is much to be done to improve the lives of everyday people, there is also much to be done in protecting the interests of animals and to improve our relationship to them and to the natural world.

Over his career, Mike has experienced first-hand the burden of disease that often outweighs our health system’s capacity, impacting the lives of those who strive to maintain it and the community that needs it.

While a range of system improvements are possible, Mike also believes the “best form of cure is prevention”, so education and repairs to a harmful food system are the keys to helping people achieve better long-term health and happier lives.

Mike is deeply concerned about the relationship between our current agricultural systems and the emergence of zoonotic disease and antibiotic resistance. Unless we face these problems the future of public health will be placed further at risk.

In response, Mike realises addressing animal agriculture’s ecological impact will assist in combatting the climate emergency, and protect many native species whose populations are in decline. We have the insight and intelligence to do this and the best part is that no one has to lose; everyone can gain. “A rising tide floats all boats,” as the saying goes.

There are many compassionate local people who provide rescue services and maintain sanctuaries for vulnerable animals, but who struggle daily to do their work. Another voice in Parliament will help to bring attention to their selfless efforts and advocate for more support to allow them to continue their work.

Conscious of the conflicts that occur with wild animals, Mike has researched methods that allow us to peacefully co-exist with wildlife, while still allowing people to engage in business and leisure activities. He is keen to bring awareness of this non-violent approach to a larger audience.

In his spare time Mike enjoys hiking, camping, gym workouts, cooking and reading.

Volunteer for Mike! 

We're registering volunteers now to help Mike's election campaign. Sign up now and we'll be in touch!