Lucas James Ellis was announced as the party’s candidate on Friday.
The party will head into the election with a primary focus of affordable housing.
Mr Ellis said despite the competition, the Sustainable Australia Party’s grassroots campaign style is a key strength.
“This is an extremely competitive election and I understand that minor parties like SAP are not backed by billionaires, political funding companies or big unions, but equally, our grassroots style of campaigning is authentic and community-first,” he said.
“Our independent community movement looks forward to taking it up to the big boys and girls with a science and evidence-based approach to policy - the best antidote to left or right ideology and culture wars.”
Professionally, Mr Ellis works in Albury’s planning sector, giving him valuable insight into regional infrastructure and community development.
He also holds a Bachelor of Sustainable Communities and is currently completing a Master of Urban Planning at UTS via remote study.
Mr Ellis said the party’s re-branding for the by-election, to ‘Affordable Housing Now -Sustainable Australia Party’, fits in with what constituents tell him is a major local issue.
“Having had many conversations at local markets and events over the last month or more, the community has identified affordable housing as the number one campaign issue, particularly for younger Australians, women in crisis and pensioners,” he said.
“We need affordable housing now, the sustainable way.
“I joined Sustainable Australia Party as it best aligned to my values and addresses key housing, environmental, population growth and corruption issues that many Australians, and particularly younger generations like myself, are concerned about.”
21°C