THE battle for the seat of Spence is not about local issues, according to the Animal Justice Party (AJP) candidate for the federal electorate.

Rita Kuhlmann, a fourth generation South Australian with farming and small business roots across the north, is running for the local seat on a platform of progressive climate change policy and animal welfare.

When asked by The Bunyip what she believed the biggest issues facing the Spence electorate were, ahead of the May 18 federal election, Ms Kuhlmann said local problems were the responsibility of state and local governments.

“This is a federal election,” she said.

“We have two other levels of government to deal with local and regional issues.

“This election should be about big issues that will affect the future not just of Spence, but the country and the planet.

“Is Spence somehow immune from climate change? I think not.

“Are the people of Spence so entirely self-absorbed that they don’t care about the fate of animals on ships to the Middle East? Definitely not.”

The AJP candidate was also asked how she expected to take votes from the heavilyfavoured Labor incumbent Nick Champion, but in her response – which The Bunyip received via email – she implored voters to support him.

“We want voters to support Nick Champion,” Ms Kuhlmann said.

“But we also want them to send him a message that animals and the climate should dominate his thoughts and actions.

“Thanks to the wonders of preferential voting, they can do this by putting him second and giving their first preference to the AJP.

“We are not naive enough to think that a new party with a nano-scale budget will get elected, but we can give the voters of Spence who care about the big issues a chance to make their concerns known.”

Ms Kuhlmann said Spence voters are “intelligent and compassionate” and wanted more from politicians than just focusing on local issues.

“Many understand that the big parties are neglecting their responsibility not just to today’s generations, but to future generations,” she said.

“They understand, for example, that strong action is required on the climate.

“In contrast, promising to fix intersections and pot holes, as many candidates are doing at present, shows a distressing lack of vision and portrays a very low opinion of voters.

“Trying to imply that climate change, health and compassion aren’t important to local people says more about you (The Bunyip) than the voters of Spence.”