Animal Justice Party NSW

How can a property valued at $2.6 million end up costing taxpayers $22.5 million?

That's the question Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst is asking after the NSW Government paid almost nine times the Valuer General's assessment for the former Appin Way Greyhound Track.

The land, previously owned by the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA), was bought by the NSW Government for almost $20 million more than its official valuation.

"We want to see the government come forward and actually give an explanation as to why they have paid this amount," Emma said. "This absolutely does not pass the pub test."

Taxpayers deserve answers.

You can raise these questions directly with the Premier and the Racing Minister, including how this price was reached and whether it was independently reviewed.

Contact Premier Chris Minns on (02) 7225 6000 or online here https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/premier-of-nsw/contact-premier

Contact Racing Minister David Harris on (02) 7225 6210 or [email protected]

Shut it down. Sign now to stop your tax dollars from funding the greyhound racing industry: https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/greyhoundbloodmoney

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday afternoon at Glebe Town Hall for an afternoon of pies, politics, ideas and inspiring conversations.

It was wonderful to spend time with so many thoughtful, passionate people who care deeply about the issues affecting animals.

Whether you came because you're feeling frustrated with politics, wanted to connect with like-minded people, or simply enjoy Funky Pies with our MP, we're so grateful you took the time to be there.

Events like this remind us that meaningful change starts with people coming together, listening to one another and having real conversations.

Thank you for being part of it. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

NSW ADOPTION CENTRE FOR LAB ANIMALS 🐰🐭

The Liberty Adoption Centre, Wyong, seeks to rehome animals who have survived research, finding them beautiful homes and foster carers.

In 2022, AJP MP Emma Hurst introduced the Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Bill 2022 (also known as 'Buddy's Law') that gives cats and dogs used in medical experimentation the right to be released and rehomed, rather than being killed at the end of the research.

We'll keep working until this law covers all animals.

The most powerful way to help the work of the Animal Justice Party in NSW is to become an annual member and, of course, give us your number one vote at the next election!

Become a member here: nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/membership

The adoption centre helping lab rats find their forever homes A first-of-its kind adoption centre is aiming to find permanent homes for small animals used in scientific research.

If you believe animals deserve better, now is the time to turn your compassion into action.

By joining the Animal Justice Party, you become part of a movement fighting to give animals the protection they so desperately need.

Your membership strengthens our collective voice and supports the work of our MP, Emma Hurst, in NSW Parliament, helping us push for stronger laws, better policies, and real change for animals.

Every member matters and every voice counts. Each supporter helps us challenge systems that continue to fail animals every day.

We can build a future where animals are no longer overlooked, exploited, or forgotten but we need your help.

Membership starts at just $22 a year, or $11 if you're under 30.

Be a voice for those who don’t have one. Stand with the Animal Justice Party and help create a kinder, more just world for all animals.

Become a member today: https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/membership

Aerial shooting has resumed in Kosciuszko National Park.

Since she was elected 7 years ago, our Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst has fought this cruel and ineffective practice.

During that time, evidence has continued to mount that aerial shooting is failing the brumbies.

The parliamentary inquiry Emma secured exposed serious problems with the Government's approach, such as:

- Flawed counting methodology
- Significant animal welfare impacts, including shooting during foaling season
- Failure to pursue humane long-term solutions

Now the Government says brumby numbers have risen again, and uses that to justify more shooting. But if aerial shooting works, why do they keep coming back to do it?

Aerial shooting is a costly cycle of cruelty that keeps repeating, while humane, non-lethal alternatives like fertility control and rehoming, which have been successful in the US, are ignored.

The program has drawn worldwide condemnation. Still, the NSW Government presses ahead, ignoring the evidence.

We are calling on the NSW Government to stop the shooting and commit to humane, non-lethal, science-based management of Kosciuszko's wild horses.

The killing must stop.

Did you know that Dingoes are the only native animal in NSW that is not protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act?

They are shot, poisoned and baited, despite being an important part of Australia's ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Experts have warned that the government's continued use of 1080 poison could drive dingoes towards local extinction.

But now you have a chance to help change that.

The NSW Legislative Council's Animal Welfare Committee, chaired by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, has launched an inquiry into the treatment, welfare, and cultural and ecological significance of dingoes in NSW national parks.

This inquiry will examine:

-Dingo welfare and protection
- Their genetic status
- Laws and policies governing their management
- The impacts of lethal control programs, including poisoning and shooting

This is a very rare opportunity to put dingo welfare and protection on the parliamentary record and help shape future policy.

Your submission doesn’t have to be long, you can just let them know what you think. Check out our handy submission guide to help you: https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/submission-guide-dingoes

⌛ Submissions close on Friday July 17th.

Politics feeling a bit grim lately?

Join Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst for an afternoon of pies and politics.

Emma will share what’s happening behind the scenes, what she’s fighting for and where things are heading, but most importantly, she wants to hear from you!

Whether you’re feeling burnt out, passionate about a particular animal rights issue, or simply want to reconnect with like-minded people, then this event is for you. Plus, there’ll be free Funky Pies too!

📅 Sunday 21 June
⏰ 3pm – 5pm
📍 Glebe Town Hall, Southern Hall
160 St Johns Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

All are welcome to join but RSVP is essential: https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/pies-politics-emma-hurst

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst's Open Letter to the NSW Environment Minister Regarding the Killing of Horses in Kosciuszko National Park.

An Open Letter to the NSW Environment Minister Regarding the Killing of Horses in Kosciuszko National Park
Dear Minister,

I write to you regarding the ongoing killing of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park.

Few issues have generated as much community concern and distress as the mass aerial shooting taking place right now.

The last Government aerial shooting program was horrendous - as many feared it would be. Horses were found with multiple bullet wounds. Foals were killed, while others were left orphaned and vulnerable to starvation or predation.

Many people were concerned we would see a repeat of the Guy Fawkes aerial shooting program. In some ways, what happened may have been even worse.

That's why this second killing program has ignited even more outrage. It has highlighted to the public that these large killing programs do not work. The Government claim to have killed thousands of horses, but now claim the numbers have skyrocketed again. If this is true, what this points out is that aerial shooting is a band aid solution- it is not a long-term solution. The Government cannot justify further aerial shooting - period.

I want to you to take a moment to think about each of the animals this decision effects. The fear, pain, and long-lingering deaths that this aerial kill will undoubtedly cause the horses residing at Kosciuszko National Park.

We both care about the environment and native animals. The protection of Kosciuszko's unique environment is exceptionally important. But animal welfare is important too. We can recognise both truths simultaneously.
As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to seek solutions that ensure both environmental protection and broader compassion are considered. This may not be the easy road- but it is the right road. It involves proper community consultation, opportunities for rehoming, considering the latest science and technology and looking towards humane long-term solutions rather than going down the route of taking action simply for a headline that implies action is being taken, when we know that the action itself will cause great suffering and no long-term solution.

I therefore ask you to immediately cease the current killing program and convene a genuine roundtable involving environmental scientists, animal welfare experts, rescue organisations, brumby advocates, regional communities and other stakeholders to identify a practical and humane way forward.

I have personally been calling for fertility control since I was elected seven years ago. The heartbreaking reality is that if governments had invested in these solutions when they were first proposed, the killing taking place today may have been avoided.

Trials have still not been started- instead a report was released criticising the old outdated technology in this space, and didn't give any proper consideration to the latest technology that overcomes those issues. It suggests either a total lack of interest in humane options, or a lack of understanding around the issue and the latest technology. No decision this great should ever be made in either of those scenarios.

This issue has become unnecessarily polarised. I am hearing rehomers are being blocked out from rescuing some of the horses. This has become an aggressive campaign by the Government - it is heavy handed for no reason, and the victims of this will be the animals.

We must stop 'picking sides' for political purposes, and instead stop and find the best solutions for all involved.

I urge you to show that leadership now. The shooting must stop, and a humane path forward must be found.
Yours sincerely,

Emma Hurst MP
Member of the Legislative Council