Shohre Mansouri

I am standing as a candidate for the Animal Justice Party. We have a clear set of values centred on “Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-violence.” As an AJP candidate, I am aligned with the party’s policies and values.

Data centres are an increasingly important part of our digital infrastructure, but their development must not come at the expense of local communities or the environment.

I believe we need proper independent assessments of their energy and water consumption, environmental impacts and implications for local infrastructure before approving further developments.

I support a temporary moratorium on new approvals until there is a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures transparency, environmental accountability and meaningful community consultation before any new data centre is approved.

Any future developments must be powered by genuinely renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, rather than relying on fossil fuels.

I also believe that the companies making billions of dollars from AI should pay their fair share of tax, and that some of this revenue should be reinvested in the communities affected by their operations.

Local communities should not be left carrying the environmental and infrastructure costs while large corporations reap the financial benefits.

Melbourne’s west has experienced significant population growth, but public transport has not kept pace.

I would advocate for more frequent and reliable bus services, better connections between suburbs and major transport hubs, and extended operating hours, including evenings and weekends.

We also need better connections between residential areas, employment centres, schools, hospitals and train stations. Too many residents still depend on cars because public transport is simply not a practical option.

I would prioritise investment in public transport rather than continuing to expand roads and highways. We need a network that makes it easier and more affordable for people to leave their cars at home.

The western suburbs are home to major industrial areas, freight corridors and busy roads. Residents deserve clean air and should not have to bear a disproportionate environmental burden because of where they live.

I am particularly interested in addressing the pollution caused by animal processing facilities and factories in the western suburbs. I would push for stronger monitoring of air quality, greater transparency around industrial emissions and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

We need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and animal products, improve public transport and reduce heavy vehicle traffic through residential areas.

I also believe protecting and expanding urban green spaces, native vegetation and tree canopy is important for healthier communities and biodiversity.

Housing is a basic human right, not simply an investment opportunity. We need a significant increase in genuinely affordable public and community housing, alongside stronger protections for renters and measures to address housing insecurity.

Homelessness requires more than temporary accommodation. We need investment in prevention, mental health services, family violence support and wraparound services that help people rebuild their lives.

I would also advocate for better use of public land for social and affordable housing and planning that creates inclusive, connected communities rather than simply increasing housing density without the necessary infrastructure and services.

I support the right of every person to make decisions about their own body and reproductive health. Access to safe, legal and affordable abortion and reproductive healthcare is fundamental to bodily autonomy and gender equality.

People should be able to access these services without stigma, discrimination or unnecessary barriers, regardless of their financial circumstances or where they live.

Community safety is important, and residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, streets and public spaces. I believe policing is only part of the solution to addressing crime. It should not be overlooked, but neither should it be overdone. What I believe is more important and effective is tackling the underlying causes of crime.

Investment in youth services, education, mental health support, housing and early intervention can help prevent people from entering the criminal justice system in the first place.

We need a balanced approach that combines effective law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and support. Simply increasing penalties without addressing the reasons people turn to crime will not solve the problem.