In a statement, the Castlemaine resident said he looked forward to representing the region and, unlike old parties, his campaign would be focused on policies, not personalities.

“I love this area, working in the Macedon Ranges, living in Castlemaine and having studied in Bendigo, but I can see that many issues get swept under the carpet while a vocal and rich minority get more of a say,” he said.

Mr Slade named job security, climate change and parenting payments as his priorities.

“Childcare and education costs are through the roof, parents are forced to live on less because of lower parenting payments and housing prices are becoming less and less affordable,” he said.

“Job security is under threat from foreign interests and local jobs are evaporating.

“The Greens are also committed to taking action on climate change. As a developed nation and one of the worlds biggest per capita emitters of greenhouse gasses, we must lead by example in this area. This means that central Victoria and the Macedon Ranges can cash in on this need and make profit from responsibility.”

Mr Slade said he was keen to hear from community members through his Facebook page facebook.com/Slade4Bendigo or email lachlan.slade@vic.greens.org.au.