Dear Ellie,

This month we celebrated our state election launch! We’re thankful to everyone who joined us and donated to help run our campaign. Our members and supporters drive this movement; without you, we wouldn't have a strong MP in parliament or regional groups making change in their local areas. Many people spoke on the launch day about the change they want to see, and it was an inspiration of what we're capable of together, because animals need everything we can give them.

We also joined other animal rights groups and activists at the Rally for Animal Free Science Now, calling for an end to animal experimentation, at Sydney Town Hall, and we'll be back out on the street again soon for the fourth annual Anti-Vivisection World Protest in Sydney. The more people who understand what's really happening to animals in labs, the faster we can build the pressure to stop it. Our MP Emma Hurst has already turned outrage into law; her legislation made NSW the first place in the world to ban forced swim tests and forced smoking experiments on animals.

We're also only four weeks out from Animal Justice Party National Conference now, and honestly, we can't wait to bring you a fantastic weekend of speakers in animal advocacy from right here in Australia and other parts of the world. Keep reading for Emma's official update this month too, we know how much you look forward to hearing directly from her.

If you're new to animal rights, not sure where to start, or want support getting more involved locally or online, send us a message. Our team is here to help everyone who wants to take part in creating a better world for all.

UPDATE FROM THE HON. EMMA HURST MLC

From exposing what’s happening in the greyhound racing industry to forcing the release of documents on animal experimentation, we’ve been using every parliamentary tool available to bring animal cruelty into the spotlight. Here’s what we’ve been up to.

Holding Ministers to account at Budget Estimates

In August, I went into Budget Estimates with a packed list of questions for NSW Government Ministers, covering topics such as:

• The Government’s inadequate response to Bird Flu, and the impact it’s having on wildlife and wildlife carers.
• Speciesism in our animal cruelty laws, and why some animals are protected while others are left behind
• The systemic harm caused by the racing industry to humans and animals alike 
• The pound and rehoming crisis facing our state. Our incredible rescues are being pushed to the limit, and they need NSW Government support.

Keeping animal issues in the headlines

We’ve been working hard to keep animal protection issues in the media, including: 

• Highlighting cruelty complaints about roadside zoos which the NSW Government has failed to action
• Building momentum for an Animal Abuse Register, with strong media coverage of our campaign
• Exposing the sacking of the Chief Commissioner of the Greyhound Regulator following a sexual harassment complaint that was made public following our call for papers.

Shining a light on animal experimentation

We passed a Parliamentary Call for Papers, which will force the release of documents from the same facility that carried out forced smoking experiments on mice. The public will finally see what other experiments have been happening at this facility behind closed doors.

Exposing Cruelty to Dingoes

Dingoes are the only native animal exempt from protection under NSW law – allowing them to be shot, trapped, poisoned, and baited, despite their sentience and cultural significance to traditional custodians. This month, we held two hearings into our Inquiry into Dingoes in National Parks - and had some adorable dingo pups from Sydney Dingo Rescue visit MPs. We are now drafting the Inquiry Report, which will make recommendations to the NSW Government for dingo protection reform.

Standing with women and animals experiencing violence

We've also been working to achieve reform for women experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault:

• Caitlin's Law: Following our advocacy with Caitlin’s mum, Kylie Bailey, the NSW Government has agreed to pass the legislation we’ve been fighting for to stop perpetrators of domestic and family violence from automatically becoming the senior next of kin when a victim dies – fixing a major loophole in our laws.
• Walk for WAGEC: My team and I took part in ‘Walk for WAGEC’ a 5km event to raise vital funds for domestic violence services.
• Lucy's Project: We're co-hosting an event in NSW Parliament for Lucy’s Project, the peak body working on the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

For the rest of the year, the focus of our work will be getting the NSW Government to implement its two major election commitments for animals: overhauling animal cruelty laws and establishing an Independent Office for Animal Protection. Watch this space!

Support Emma’s re-election to keep fighting for animals

This election comes down to one thing - keeping our MP Emma Hurst in NSW Parliament. She has secured millions in funding for animals, pushed through law reform, and protected countless lives across NSW while in office. Re-electing her is the single most important thing we can do for animals in this state. Donations help power the fight for animals and get Emma re-elected for another 8 years.

Our 2027 Election Campaign has Officially Launched!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the campaign launch, and to everyone who donated. Your support will help us build our biggest campaign yet, and we need it. The work starts now to re-elect Emma and keep giving animals a voice in NSW Parliament. Behind the scenes, we're already deep into planning campaign materials, the website, candidates and volunteers, all with animals at the forefront, because protecting them and building a future where their wellbeing and safety come first is what this campaign is really about. There's still so much more to do for farmed animals, wildlife and the companion animals in our homes.

The launch itself was an afternoon of empowerment and inspiration, and a reminder of just how much work it will take before our laws truly recognise what animals need and what matters to them. We're taking the steps to get there.

We need to build a people-powered movement to get Emma Hurst re-elected, and we need our supporters standing right beside us. As Australia's only political party dedicated to protecting all animals, we need you.

A monthly donation of $10 helps us keep fighting for animals.

The Animal Justice Party 2026 National Conference will bring together change-makers from across Australia and beyond, spanning law, politics, science, welfare, and activism, for our most powerful event yet.

Final lineup of speakers before we see you in Sydney or online!

Our conference is a members only event. If you'd like to attend, become a member and grab your ticket to join us.

THEN

Rally for animal free science
End Animal Experimentation

Members of our Newcastle-Hunter and Central Coast groups joined a large crowd outside Sydney Town Hall to mark ten incredible years of activism by Sydney Save Animals in Laboratories. Thank you to everyone who came out, our members and supporters, fellow advocates and the wider animal rights community, for standing together on the day.

Animals of many species suffer immense pain and trauma in laboratories around the world, and for what? Only 5 to 10 per cent of therapies and drugs that test successfully in animals ultimately gain regulatory approval for human use. But even if that figure were 100 per cent, there would still be no excusing animal cruelty and exploitation in the name of scientific research.

Our MP Emma Hurst has been working to protect animals from experimentation through Parliament, securing world-first laws banning forced swim and smoking experiments on animals, campaigning for the release of animals from laboratories, and pushing for greater transparency in an industry that operates behind closed doors.

Street Paws Festival, Macquarie Park

Our Sydney North West group set up at Street Paws in Macquarie Park on Saturday 19 September, and it was a lovely day all round. Young AJP volunteers, including our Chair Luka, came along to lend a hand and show their support too.

Volunteers heard stories of dogs adopted into loving families, watched their impressive tricks, and admired more than a few snazzy costumes along the way. With the weather warming up, plenty of dogs found welcome relief at the water and shade the group had set up, always a top priority when out in the sun with our four legged friends. Canines and humans alike were friendly, curious and keen to learn about the work of the Animal Justice Party NSW.

A huge thank you to our Sydney North West group, our Young AJP volunteers, and everyone who came along or helped out on the day, for always thinking of the animals and advocating for their protection, safety and wellbeing.

Street Paws Festival, Camelia Grove Hotel

Sydney Inner West held a stall at Street Paws this month at the Camellia Grove Hotel, and it was a beautiful day for it. The group handed out free dog biscuits, chatted with fellow dog lovers about our work to end greyhound racing and protect wildlife, and met so many adorable fur friends who thoroughly made their day, treats, tail wags and all, including one very good doggo named Marley who left with a treat bag of their own.

Events like Street Paws are exactly why we do what we do. They're a chance to share our love of companion animals with the community, and remind people that protecting animals takes more than kindness at home, it takes political power too. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, and to our Sydney Inner West group for representing us so well on the day.

Street Paws Festival, Sydney Tramway Museum

Our South Sydney group set up at the Street Paws Festival at the Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus, meeting dogs and their humans over free biscuits and a chat about a kinder future for animals. Four legged visitors came dressed for the occasion, from costumes to custom coats, with plenty stopping by the AJP bowls for a drink and a pat.

Huge thanks to the volunteers who gave up their day to make it happen, talking with the public about animal welfare and the party, selling merchandise, collecting petition signatures and new sign ups, and handing out flyers on Emma Hurst's work in parliament. A great day connecting with the local community!

Weird is Wonderful Markets, Nulkaba

Our Newcastle-Hunter members and volunteers were out at The Valley Brewhouse in Nulkaba for the Weird is Wonderful markets, running the AJP stall and chatting with locals about the fight for animals, people and the planet.

Cessnock candidate Victoria Davies joined the team to meet the community, and a resident rescue greyhound helped make the case for bringing back the greyhound racing ban, with visitors adding their names to our petition to Premier Chris Minns.

A great day of connecting with the AJP community ahead of the election!

Springwood Festival

Our Blue Mountains-Macquarie regional group, along with members and supporters from around the area, held a stall at Springwood Festival, a great way to spend the day with over 178 stalls lining the closed off main street. One volunteer turned heads in a kangaroo costume, helping start conversations about the commercial kangaroo industry, the largest land based wildlife slaughter in the world, and why kangaroos need protection under the law.

Locals stopped by throughout the day, and the group sold over $500 in raffle tickets, a fantastic result! Thank you to everyone who came out on the day to raise awareness and stand up for animals, it makes a difference.

East Sydney Catch Up, Funky Pies

Our East Sydney group came together over coffee at Funky Pies in Bondi Beach for a chill catch up. Local candidate Jess joined in as members talked through shark nets, leafletting and the many ways to get involved before the election. Good conversation, good company, and plenty of energy for what's ahead, with everyone already looking forward to the next one!

These local catch ups are a great way to meet like minded people and get involved in building the future of the movement. Membership is the first step, so join the Animal Justice Party today and you can connect with a local regional group, getting involved and making a difference for animals, people and the planet.

Check out each event's Facebook page for details, or drop us an email at [email protected] if you have questions or want to let us know you're coming!

Million Dollar Disgrace Rally
Friday 16 October 2026 | Starts at 5pm
Millard Reserve, Wentworth Park Road, Glebe

Save the date - Event page coming soon

Speak Up for Horses: Say No to The Everest
Saturday 17 October 2026 | 11:30am
Royal Randwick Racecourse

RSVP to the Facebook event

4th Annual Anti-Vivisection World Protest Sydney
Saturday 17 October 2026 | 2:30pm
Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000

RSVP to the Facebook event

NSW Premiere, What Happened to Olivia?
Wednesday 18 November 2026 | 7:30pm
Dendy Cinemas Newtown, Sydney

RSVP to the Facebook event

🎟️ Buy tickets here

AJP Community Events and Market Stalls

Keep Emma in NSW Parliament Fighting for Animals

With your help, Emma can keep driving this progress and ensure animals remain firmly on the political agenda.

Your donation today helps power the movement she leads, and builds the foundation for the victory animals so desperately need, and that is getting Emma re-elected for another 8 years.

In solidarity with all animals,

The Animal Justice Party NSW Team and NSW State Committee