Skip navigation

AJP NSW March Newsletter 2025

Read our March newsletter covering the months of December, January and February!

 

Dear Supporters,

Together, we stand strong for animals.

Your passion, your determination and your voice make all the difference. Because of you, the Animal Justice Party is starting 2025 with unstoppable momentum.

Every day, alongside our MP Emma Hurst, we are on the ground and in Parliament fighting for a future without animal cruelty, exploitation, or suffering.

We’ve already hit the ground running this year, holding events and discussions across NSW to raise awareness of local animal issues. Our regional groups, powered by incredible volunteers, have been rallying support and spreading our vision with compassion and tenacity.

Thanks to our united efforts, we’ve already achieved significant wins for animals, including successful outreach campaigns and councils voting against cruel shark nets, as well as increased protections for blue gropers. We are stronger together and we cannot thank you enough.

Standing up for animals in a world where their suffering is often ignored is no easy feat. But every voice matters. Every action counts. And every member plays a role in growing our movement and creating change.

In 2025, we’re calling on every unique voice to be heard, louder and clearer than ever before. As the only political party in Australia dedicated to ending all animal cruelty, we will keep building a future where animals are protected and respected.

With your support, we can keep fighting for the animals who need us the most.

Together, will make 2025 a year of powerful change for animals, people and our planet. 🐾

Become a member today!

Emma Hurst MP: Parliament Update

We are only a few months in to 2025, and our MP, Emma Hurst, has already achieved some major wins for animals in NSW.

Glue Traps Outlawed

Thanks to Emma Hurst and the support of our members, the use of glue traps is now illegal! Glue traps are one of the cruellest methods of trapping and killing animals – animals become stuck to the glue on the surface of the trap. While this ban is a huge step forward, there is ongoing work to ensure it applies to all animals, including insects and to further strengthen this important legislation.

Blue Gropers Win  - Again!

Last year, after the devastating death of Gus the Groper, a 12-month ban on fishing blue gropers was put in place. The Shooters Party launched an aggressive campaign to reverse the ban – however, last month, the NSW Government announced they had listened to the community and would be extending the ban to protect the gropers for a further 3 years. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and emailed the Government – your voices were well and truly heard, and had a major impact on this decision. Our next step will be to make this ban permanent!

$500,000 to prevent Wildlife Vehicle Strike

Thanks to ongoing advocacy from the Animal Justice Party, the NSW Government has announced it will invest $500,000 in new technology trials to reduce wildlife vehicle strikes. This has the potential to save thousands of koalas, kangaroos and wombats. The trials will include training AI-assisted detection systems that warn motorists in real time when animals are near the road, a trial of light-coloured pavement to improve visibility of wildlife and working with a local council on a trial of rumble strips.

Companion Animals Act Review launched

NSW is facing an animal rehoming crisis – pounds are overflowing and rescue organisations are underfunded and struggling to cope. Following the recommendations of Pound Inquiry, chaired by Emma, the NSW Government has now announced a review of the Companion Animals Act 1998.  This is our opportunity to fix the pound crisis, help rehoming groups and get to zero euthanasia! A submission guide will be released shortly, but feel free to put in a submission using the survey form HERE  

Review of Horse-Racing Laws 

Following our inquiry into the horse racing industry, which uncovered explosive evidence about the conduct of Racing NSW and exposed the serious ongoing welfare issues within this cruel industry, the NSW Government has indicated it will undertake a review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act. Emma will share more information about this review as it becomes public – so watch this space!

Emma remains committed to securing stronger protections for all animals – and in 2025, she will continue her fight on major campaigns such as ending greyhound racing, getting shark nets out of the ocean, establishing an Independent Office of Animal Protection, banning battery cages, strengthening animal sexual abuse laws, and much more.

As an elected Member of Parliament, she brings her passion, determination and knowledge to each and every animal protection issue, making sure animals have a voice in Parliament. While she may be one person, her impact is clear as she works hard to hold those in power accountable and push for real change. With your support, Emma will continue to fight to ensure every animal’s voice is heard loud and clear.

Emma’s promise to the animals:

My promise to the animals is this: You have all of me. The lioness in the circus—I see you. The pig in the sow stall—I see you. The mouse in the medical experimentation facility—I see you. The fish crushed at the bottom of a trawler net—I see you. I know your suffering, and I will never be silent.

I will push forward no matter what life throws my way because the cruelties inflicted on you must end. I will do all I can to make that happen. You have all of me.

Thanks to Emma’s work and dedication, animals are firmly on the political agenda in New South Wales Parliament.


Every day, Emma demonstrates the power of giving animals a political voice in parliament. As we approach the federal election, remember that every vote we receive strengthens our ability to drive meaningful change for animals.

Every campaign, petition and discussion is part of a larger movement working towards a more compassionate and just world for all living beings.


2025 Federal Election

The upcoming Federal Election is our chance to put animal justice on the national stage. Our candidates are passionate, determined and ready to give animals a voice.

Join us as we officially launch our Federal Election Campaign! This is our chance to come together, get inspired and gear up to fight for the animals like never before.

Meet your lead candidates, Emma Kerrin and Matt Stellino, along with our lower house candidates and hear from our special guest, MP Emma Hurst!

Sunday 16th March 2025, 3 PM - 6 PM

Mama B's, 87-91 Abercrombie St, Chippendale

Join the Event Here!
Donate to our Federal Election Campaign

If you’re ready to help our candidates in the election, reach out to join our team!

Send an email to [email protected] to get started!


Get Election Ready - Join Emma Kerrin!

Emma Kerin is excited to chat about the upcoming election and how we can make a real, positive impact for animals. Join her for these events happening this month!

Lunch & Clean-Up with Emma Kerin

Join us for a lunch with our lead federal election candidate, Emma Kerin, followed by a community clean-up at Lake Alexandra!

📅 Date: Sunday, March 15th 2025

🥗 Lunch at Hideaway Bar and Grill (Mittagong) | 12 PM - 2 PM

🌿 Clean Up at Lake Alexandra | 2 PM

Join Event Here 📆

Stay up to date with Emma Kerin’s events this month!

View all our events! ✨

AJP NSW in Action

Together, we’re standing up for animals and creating change that matters. This is just the beginning and we’re excited to continue our work throughout the year!

Shark Nets Outreach at Coogee Beach

Randwick Council Votes to Remove Shark Nets!

This decision follows in the footsteps of five other NSW councils - Wollongong, Sutherland, Waverley, Northern Beaches, Central Coast, and now Randwick, all rejecting these harmful nets on their local beaches.

In January & February, AJP volunteers and other animal protection organisations took to the streets to raise awareness about the devastating impact of shark nets on marine life.

The response from the Randwick community was nothing short of amazing. In just one weekend, we collected 265 signed letters urging the council to say no to shark nets.

The engagement was incredibly positive, with many people expressing a strong desire to write their own messages to the mayor. After learning the facts, the community came together and spoke up, saying no to the unnecessary killing of marine life.

With modern, non-lethal alternatives like drones already in place, it’s time to embrace these smarter, more humane solutions to protect both swimmers and marine life.🐬

Thank you once again to everyone who helped make this possible. Your voices have truly made a difference!

AJP Shark Nets Outreach Video Challenge Reel

WATCH THE SHARK NETS OUTREACH AND 3-MINUTE VIDEO CHALLENGE REEL!

The Randwick community stepped up, taking on the 3-minute video challenge to raise awareness about the deadly impact of shark nets.

View on Facebook

View on Instagram


Kangaroo Outreach “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes!”

On 15th February, we gathered at the Adidas flagship store in Sydney to demand an end to kangaroo slaughter for shoes. Our candidate Emma Kerrin delivered a powerful message: “Kangaroos are not shoes!” Huge thanks to Greg and Susan for their inspiring speeches.

We’re not stopping until Adidas follows Nike and Puma’s lead.

Sign the Petition: Adidas Stop the Slaughter

Take Action for Animals

📝 Sign our petitions!

We Need an Independent Office of Animal Protection

Animals trapped in cruel systems deserve better. Let’s demand an independent agency to enforce animal cruelty laws and advocate for reform.

 
📝 Sign the Petition Here
View all our campaigns

Social Events

Parramatta Vegan Markets

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered at the AJP stall at the Parramatta Vegan Markets! Your efforts led to many great conversations, inspiring new supporters and of course, spending time with others who care about animals, people and the planet.

A big thank you as well to everyone who helped us raise awareness, sold merch and made donations. Your contributions help us continue our mission to create a world where animals are treated with compassion and respect.

And of course, Eden, our joy-filled wonder hound, was there to steal hearts and spread smiles! 🐾❤️

 

Alive Festival 2025

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers this weekend! We had an incredible time at the Alive Festival! Our AJP stall was buzzing with energy and we’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by, said hello, showed support and signed petitions.

Animals need us more than ever and we’ll keep fighting for them!

Special shoutout to our Senate candidate, Emma Kerin, who attended both events and delivered a powerful message. She’s fighting for a fairer Australia where communities, animals and the environment come first. 🐾🌏💚


Regional Groups

To everyone who gives their time, energy and heart to this movement - thank you. You are the reason we are winning for animals.

Our members and supporters are unstoppable. Across NSW, our regional groups are out there fighting for animals, building community, and making change happen. They show up, they take action and give it everything they’ve got.

They seize every opportunity to raise awareness and speak up for animals, from market stalls to social catch-ups. Every conversation, every petition signed, every connection made brings us closer to a kinder world. This is what people power looks like!

Clean Up Australia Day!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Newcastle and Central Coast Regional Groups - Games and Vegan BBQ

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, our Newcastle and Central Coast groups gathered for a relaxed vegan BBQ and picnic. It was a fun day filled with games, laughter, and meaningful conversations about our shared passion for animal advocacy.

Catchup in Tweed!

Tweed area members attended their first AJP picnic of the year! The sun shone brightly as we discussed local campaigns and shared our passion for protecting greyhounds, wildlife and companion animals. A special shoutout to Susie for sharing her vast knowledge of animal issues in Tweed.

The grazing board loaded with vegan cheese, hummus, fruit, and biscuits was a highlight! They had the pleasure of meeting Yogi and Bill, two charismatic pups who stole everyone’s hearts.

 

AJP Central Coast Volunteers Support Lucky Stars Sanctuary’s Relocation

AJP Central Coast volunteers recently travelled north to support Lucky Stars Sanctuary’s relocation, helping build new shelters and an aviary for rescued animals. Former member Clint, now caring for animals at the sanctuary, welcomed the team’s support in tackling the massive move.

After a hard day’s work, the volunteers enjoyed vegan meals in the company of friendly residents - including Hamish the goat, who was certain he belonged among the humans!

Watch the reel on Facebook

Watch the reel on Instagram

Port Macquarie - Laurieton Riverwalk Markets
We had a fantastic day at the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, meeting many wonderful people and sharing AJP’s mission for the mid-north coast. New members joined the Party, petitions were signed, and our cool stickers received plenty of donations.

Visitors were especially thrilled to meet our team ambassadors, rescued greyhounds Lilli and Tashi, while lucky dogs enjoyed homemade treats from Maya and Sita. Thanks to all our volunteers and everyone who stopped by for a chat!

New England Regional Group - AJP Stall in the Park
In New England, Lyndie and Allison set up a pop-up stall in Tenterfield, where they were greeted with stunning weather despite rain being forecast. The flying fox colony in the background added to the magic of the day.

We’re grateful for your support, especially in areas where empathy can sometimes be hard to find. Your dedication keeps the spirit of compassion alive!

Get Involved! Join the Animal Justice Party 👈

📅 Upcoming Events in March

Golden Slipper Race Day Protest

🗓️ Saturday, 22nd March 2025 | Outside Rosehill Racecourse | 11 AM

Deaths on the racetrack are not accidents. They happen because the horses are pushed beyond their limits and raced far too young and excessively for their bodies to withstand. Tintookie had been raced since she was two years old.

This year we gather again in her memory, and to speak up for all the horses who are forced to risk their lives on the racecourse.

Join the Event Here!
View all our events

Donate to our Federal Election Campaign

This is our moment. The federal election is our biggest opportunity to make positive change for animals but we can’t do it without you. 

Every dollar is a direct challenge to those who profit from animal cruelty.

It’s how we reach voters, put animal issues on the national agenda and challenge those in power who refuse to act.

A small donation can go a long way:

  • $10 helps us print essential campaign materials, including petitions and flyers.
  • $25 supports outreach efforts at local markets and community events.
  • $50 enables us to deliver critical workshops and events to engage new advocates.
  • $100+ helps us tackle big-ticket campaigns, such as federal election efforts or protests against animal cruelty.

The animals need us. Let’s make this election count.

Donate Here

We’re fighting for change – but we need you with us.

Every member of the Animal Justice Party is more than just a number—you’re a powerful message to the Government that Australians demand a kinder world for animals.

Your support strengthens our representative, Emma Hurst MP, ensuring animals remain at the heart of her work. Emma has championed reforms to end greyhound racing, toughen laws against animal abusers, and secure backing for Australia’s first Independent Office of Animal Protection.

Our dedicated leaders are your voice in government and communities, but they can only continue this critical work with your support.

Together, we are building an unstoppable movement for change.

Join the Animal Justice Party!

AJP NSW Membership is just $44 a year, $22 for concession holders, or only $5 if you’re 30 or under as part of Young AJP.


Thank you for standing with us. Let’s make 2025 our strongest year for animals! 🐾

In solidarity with all animals,

The Animal Justice Party NSW Team and NSW State Committee

Natasha Brown
NSW State Director
Ellie Herodes
Communications Manager
Clelia Valdez
Graphic Design and Admin

Continue Reading

Read More