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Dear Supporters,
The fight for animals never stops, and that’s thanks to you.
Every week brings new challenges, new truths and new reasons to keep pushing for change. Our members, volunteers and supporters are driving this movement forward. You’re standing up, speaking out and showing what compassion in action really looks like. You are the reason more people are questioning cruelty and demanding justice for animals.
This month has reminded us how far we’ve come and how much more we must do.
Together with our MP Emma Hurst, we continue to take on the industries that profit from suffering. We’re calling for an end to greyhound and horse racing, the ban of deadly shark nets, a legislated end date for battery cages and more protection for wildlife.
Together, we’re creating that change, one action, message or signature at a time.
Thank you for standing with us, for all animals. We fight on.
Take the next step for animals! Join as a member today 🐾
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Emma Hurst MP: Parliament Update
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The past few months have been incredibly busy for my office. We’ve had back-to-back Parliament sittings, inquiries and budget estimates hearings, where I’ve continued to ensure animal issues remain at the top of the agenda – from greyhound racing to battery cages, the Independent Office of Animal Protection, animal cruelty laws and much more.
An enormous effort has gone towards fighting the Shooters Party’s dangerous
hunting bill, which will have devastating consequences for public safety, gun control and animal and human safety. As a result of our campaign together, this Bill was pushed to an Inquiry but has now returned for debate in NSW Parliament. My office is continuing the fight to defeat this Bill.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work by signing petitions, writing to MPs, commenting on social media posts, attending regional group meetings and events and much more.
Below are some of our exciting wins we’ve achieved together over the past few months.
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Emma’s update:
Animal Sexual Abuse Bill passes Upper House
(Trigger warning – this section includes information about sexual abuse)
Our Bill strengthening animal sexual abuse laws passed the Upper House. Disturbingly, animal sexual abuse is on the rise in NSW – and weaknesses in our laws meant some abusers were evading conviction. Our Bill changed 'bestiality' to 'animal sexual abuse' and it created a broader definition of animal sexual abuse to include sexual touching and other acts. This was necessary as the courts were interpreting the act as penetrative only. Our Bill will now go to the Lower House before it becomes law.
Please keep signing and sharing our petition so we get these important laws changed.
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New Inquiry: Licences to Harm Native Animals
We have established a new inquiry that will examine ‘licences to harm’ in NSW. This is a disturbing process that allows otherwise protected native animals (including wombats, possums, native birds and many other species) to be killed legally by landowners and councils, simply because they are deemed inconvenient. Hundreds of thousands of animals are being killed pursuant to these rubber-stamped licences every year.
If you would like to make a submission to the Inquiry, you can do so here.
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$6 Million for Companion Animal Rescues
We secured $6 million over 4 years for rescue and rehoming organisations in the NSW Budget. This is a positive step forward, but we know it is not enough – and without a serious government investment, the rehoming sector remains in crisis with rescues unable to take more animals off death row from pounds.
My promise to all homeless cats and dogs (as well as the rescuers who are giving their heart and soul to help these animals find a home) is that we will keep fighting until we get a commitment from the Government for the full amount of funding needed.
Working With Children Check Laws Strengthened
Soon, every person in NSW will have to undergo mandatory training on child abuse if they want to receive a Working With Children Check, thanks to an amendment passed by the AJP. This training will ensure safe adults know how to talk to children, support their autonomy, notice signs something is wrong, and identify when someone is dangerous.
This is survivor-led reform and I thank the Australian Childhood Foundation and Emma Hakansson for leading on this and for working closely with my team to get this legislated.
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$6 Million for Cat Desexing Programs
Our Inquiry into cat management strategies found that desexing cats was the most effective way to reduce cat numbers and protect wildlife. The NSW Government is listening to us – they have just allocated $6 million to targeted cat desexing and education programs about the benefits of keeping cats indoors. This is the best solution because it doesn't have to be either/or - we can protect both wildlife and cats!
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NSW Establishes a Great Koala National Park
After years of campaigning by the AJP and our dedicated volunteers, the NSW Government has finally taken steps to establish the Great Koala National Park which will protect over 12,000 koalas - and many other animals including greater gliders - who call these forests home. Logging has immediately ceased in over 176,000 hectares of forests in NSW. This is a huge win for wildlife – so a massive thank you to each of you who have spoken up and fought for this!
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Wins for Birthing Parents and Families
Following our continued advocacy around birth trauma and maternity care, the NSW Government allocated $44.8 million in the Budget to increase access to midwifery continuity of care models. The NSW Government also announced it would be establishing a Chief Midwife role within NSW Health, which was a key recommendation of the Birth Trauma Inquiry that I chaired.
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With Emma leading the fight in Parliament and people like you driving change in the community, we’re building a future where animals are truly protected.
By becoming a member, you strengthen the political voice of animals.
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Kiama By Election
Thank you to everyone who supported our amazing candidate Ellie Robertson in Kiama!
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We are so proud of Ellie Robertson and of everyone who stood behind her, volunteered and showed up on voting day for the Kiama by-election.
With only a few hours on booths, minimal pre-polling and little media coverage, we were still out there for animals, fighting greyhound racing cruelty, shutting down puppy farms, protecting wildlife, freeing farmed animals and demanding real climate action.
To every volunteer who handed out how-to-votes, spoke with locals and stood for a kinder future, thank you. Because of you, compassion has a voice in politics.
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Over 11,200 Signatures For Hens! 🐔
NSW must end battery cages once and for all
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Together, we’ve achieved something remarkable.
Our Caged Hens Working Group led the charge, creating posters, flyers and signs, coordinating outreach and supporting our incredible Regional Groups to take action right across NSW.
Thanks to their hard work, and the determination of volunteers who showed up rain, hail or shine, the Free the Hens from Battery Cages campaign has now surpassed 11,200 petition signatures.
Incredible work, everyone, thank you for standing up for hens!
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So many of you have spoken, loud, clear and full of compassion. We’re demanding an end to the cage age.
This milestone is thanks to the incredible passion and determination of our regional groups, members and supporters. For weeks, our volunteers stood on street corners, held signs, had conversations and poured their energy into gathering support for hens who cannot speak for themselves.
Thank you to everyone who signed and shared the petition, liked and commented on our posts and shared it around to family and friends, it all mattered. And it all added up.
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Watch Emma Present the Petition in Parliament!
MP Emma Hurst presented our petition to the Minister for Agriculture, asking when NSW will finally set a legislated date to end cruel battery cages.
This moment was only possible because of our incredible members, volunteers and supporters who hit the streets, spoke with their communities and gathered 11,200 signatures across NSW.
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Million Dollar Disgrace
📢 Happening this Friday 17th October at 5pm
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Protest the Grand Everest
📢 Happening this Saturday 18th October at 11am
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AJP Stall at Crows Nest Fest
Happening this Sunday 19th October at 10am
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More events are happening across NSW! See what’s coming up near you and get involved for animals.
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Urge NSW to Join the Global Phase-Out of Greyhound Racing - Email Your MP
Greyhound racing is on its last legs around the world and it’s time NSW joined the growing list of governments putting animal welfare ahead of gambling industry profits.
In just the past year:
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Tasmania announced a phase-out, making it the second Australian jurisdiction to ban greyhound racing, after the ACT’s 2018 ban.)
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New Zealand announced a national phase-out.
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Wales committed to banning greyhound racing.
- The U.S. now has just one commercial greyhound racing track left, and politicians from both major parties are urging Australia to follow.
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Have Your Say: The Review of “Licences to Harm” Native Animals
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Our MP, Emma Hurst, is raising concerns about the shocking reality that people can apply for “licences to harm”, licences that allow them to kill native animals. This process is now under review through an Upper House inquiry, giving us the chance to speak up for wildlife who cannot speak for themselves.
Submissions are powerful, they can be a simple sentence or several pages. Using your own words has the most impact!
Suggested statement for your submission:
I strongly oppose licences that allow the harming or killing of native wildlife. Our native animals deserve protection, not persecution. The current system enabling people to apply for and receive approval to kill native animals is cruel and unacceptable. I urge the government to end this outdated practice and prioritise humane, non-lethal solutions and stronger protections for our native species.
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AJP in Action
What an incredible few months it’s been for animal protection in NSW. Across mountains, beaches and city streets, our community has been standing up, speaking out and showing what compassion in action looks like. The movement for animals is growing louder and stronger every week!
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At the Dog Lovers Festival, our volunteers gave thousands of attendees a glimpse of what the Animal Justice Party stands for, kindness, advocacy and community.
From signing petitions to joining the party and grabbing merch, supporters showed that dog lovers and animal justice go hand in hand. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who ran the stall with passion all weekend long. 🐾
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Saint Grey Art Exhibition
Saint Grey by Elliott Fox opened in Sydney to a full room of compassion and purpose, including our MP Emma Hurst, rescue groups and advocates all standing together for greyhounds.
The powerful exhibition captures the contradiction between the greyhound’s beauty and the cruelty of commercial racing. Animal Justice Party NSW was proud to sponsor this event alongside GREY2K USA and Animal Liberation.
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Standing Up for Animals: Powerful Protests and Rallies
In August, members peacefully protested at the Bull Throttle event in Gosford, reminding crowds that animal abuse is not entertainment. Soon after, we gathered at the Wyong Cup, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses to honour the lives lost in the racing industry.
Compassionate cat advocates came together in the heart of Sydney for the Stand Up for Community Cats Rally. Joined by rescuers, carers and animal lovers, we called on the NSW Government to fund humane, non-lethal programs, support rehoming and vaccination, and work with carers instead of punishing them.
Each protest and rally is a powerful act of resistance against industries built on suffering and a call for a kinder future where all animals are free from exploitation.
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Regional groups across NSW have been hitting the ground, engaging their communities, and spreading compassion for animals at local markets and events.
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🐾 Illawarra: The Illawarra regional group had an amazing day at the Bulli Market, meeting passionate locals, sharing ideas, and raising vital awareness for animals, people, and planet. Every conversation and signature helps build momentum for change.
🐶 Greyhound Community Action Group: AJP members joined forces at Glebe Market to call out the cruelty of greyhound racing and promote the Million Dollar Disgrace protest. Visitors met the charming Jasper, once a racing dog, now a beloved companion and blood donor, a reminder of the gentle souls behind an industry built on suffering.
🌿 Port Macquarie: The Port Macquarie regional group has been on a roll, from the Foreshore Market to Laurieton, sharing petitions, handing out dog paw bickies, signing up new members, and inspiring kindness through conversation. Their ambassador greys Lilli and Tashi, along with poodle brother Theo, drew plenty of smiles (and pats!) while championing a fairer future for animals.
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Vegan BBQ Fundraiser a Huge Success! 🌿
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A massive thank you to our incredible volunteers and everyone who came along to the Vegan BBQ Fundraiser at Mangrove Mountain Market! It was a fantastic day filled with good food, great conversations, and plenty of furry friends. Suzy Spoons’ vegan sausages sold out fast, locals signed up to support our election efforts, and important chats were had about protecting animals and our planet.
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We’ve launched our new East Sydney Regional Group! 🎉
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Our newest AJP group has officially launched and what a great start! Supporters, members, and their companion animals came together at Funky Pies to connect, share ideas, and enjoy some delicious vegan food.
Thanks to Angie and Sarah for making it happen, and to everyone who joined us. We welcomed six new members, collected over 40 petition signatures, and built strong momentum for animals in Sydney’s east.
A huge thanks also to the AJP Inner West group for coming along to support the launch.
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Working Bee at Dianella Animal Sanctuary
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Volunteers from AJP Newcastle, Central Coast and Young AJP came together this weekend for a working bee at Dianella Animal Sanctuary, a beautiful, safe forever home for rescued farm animals.
It was a day full of love, kindness and teamwork. Volunteers worked hard to clean enclosures and tidy the sanctuary grounds and were rewarded with the opportunity to hand-fed the animals, before sitting down to delicious vegan feast.
A huge thank you to all who came along - a job well done by everyone!
Join our next working bee at Lucky Stars Animal Sanctuary✨
Date: 26th October 2025 | Time: 10am-2pm
We’d love your helping hands at our next working bee! It’s a great chance to connect with our community, AJP volunteers, meet the animals, and lend a hand with some important jobs around the sanctuary.
👉 Find out more here
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To everyone who volunteered, attended, or supported these efforts, THANK YOU!
You helped give animals a voice when it mattered most. ❤️
Real change happens when we act together. You won’t be alone, find your local AJP group, get involved and take action for animals.
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Young Animal Justice Party
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The Young Animal Justice Party is a passionate community of young people fighting for animals, people, and the planet. They’re out in their communities, raising their voices, volunteering and proving that kindness and courage can drive real political change.
Young AJP members are stepping up across NSW, leading with compassion, joining campaigns and showing that the future of politics is kind, bold and unstoppable.
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YAJP Trivia Night at The Chippo! 🌴
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In August, the Young AJP crew had an incredible time at trivia night at The Chippo, enjoying delicious vegan food from Mama B, great company, and a few adorable doggos who stole the show.
They also debuted their brand-new YAJP stickers, which were a hit! The team can’t wait to keep spreading kindness (and stickers) at future events.
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🌟 Upcoming YAJP Events 📅
They’ve got an exciting volunteer opportunity coming up with Greyhound Rescue, where you can spend time with affectionate greyhounds while helping make a difference.
👉 Send an email to volunteer: [email protected]
And with Christmas just around the corner, keep an eye out for a fun YAJP Christmas event coming soon! 🎄
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Help Us Get Ready for the 2027 State Election! We Need to Keep Compassion in Parliament ❤️
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Every victory for animals, every ban, reform and investigation, has happened because people like you stood behind our MP, Emma Hurst, and this movement for change.
But the 2027 State Election is coming fast and we need to be ready.
Re-electing Emma is critical to keeping animals on the political agenda. Without her voice in Parliament, the truth about animal cruelty will be buried and the industries that profit from it will win.
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If you can, please chip in $20, $40 or whatever you can, once or monthly, to help us keep exposing cruelty, changing laws and to power Emma’s campaign for animals.
Can’t donate right now? You can still make a difference. Join one of our working groups or help spread the word by sharing our work with your friends and networks.
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In solidarity with all animals,
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The Animal Justice Party NSW Team and NSW State Committee
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