Matt Pastro is a teacher at St Mary’s College in Adelaide, a father of 4 children, and a carer of two rescue dogs. He has spent most of his adult life living in Adelaide but grew up in a farming community in South Australia. He has been a teacher in many Catholic schools and colleges in Adelaide and Mount Gambier for over 20 years.

Matt strongly believes in education and empowering and equipping the future leaders of the world. He has enjoyed being a classroom teacher of Year 6 students for several years, but also has a passion in the school teaching ethics as an extracurricular activity. He loves learning alongside his students as they grapple with some of the bigger and more challenging ethical and moral dilemmas.

Animal activism has been an important activity for Matt after witnessing the ABC documentary “The Dark Side Of The Horse Racing Industry”. This was the first of many documentaries that highlighted the important need for individuals to speak up on behalf of the animals that are incapable of speaking up for themselves.

He has been an active member of Anonymous For the Voiceless and is currently the organiser in Adelaide for an outreach group called We The Free. Matt has been connected with the Animal Justice Party for many years. He has supported the party as candidate in 2 prior elections, as well as numerous behind the scenes roles.

Matt believes that it is vitally important to challenge others in society as well as governments. He aims to change policies and positions that are unjust, cruel and unnecessary. He would like to inspire a more compassionate government that prioritises the needs of animals, the environment, and future generations.

How to Vote for Matt on your Ballot