The former veterinarian is the fifth candidate to throw their hat into the ring for South West Coast and the first independent to nominate so far.

Mr McCluskey said he was disappointed with the lack of parliamentarians with a scientific background, which he felt led to a lack of proper debate on issues such as renewable energy.

The 51-year-old said he was highly unlikely to win the seat but wanted to run in order to highlight issues he felt strongly about.

“I’m realistic about my chances, this is a pretty safe seat,” Mr McCluskey said. 

“What I want to achieve is to add some intelligent debate, focus on scientific fact of issues like renewable energy, like climate change, like sustainable agriculture.”

In his early years, Mr McCluskey worked as a labourer on dairy farms around Terang before undertaking a veterinary degree at Melbourne University. 

He completed further study and was admitted to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists before returning to Warrnambool. 

For the last two decades, he has mainly worked as a vet in the equestrian sector.

Mr McCluskey cited British primatologist Jane Goodall and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai as examples of the type of leadership he aspires to.

“I don’t hold any politicians up in the traditional sense as great leaders,” he said. “Someone of Jane Goodall’s calibre has shown leadership outside the political sphere by working directly with people to create change for the better.”

Mr McCluskey follows Premier Denis Napthine, ALP candidate Roy Reekie, Greens candidate Thomas Campbell and Country Alliance candidate Steve Moore in contesting South West Coast, which is held by the Coalition by a margin of nearly 12 per cent.