AJP President’s Summer Report
Two and a half years ago a few people passionate about animal well-being began work to establish a political party that would represent the interests of animals in the Australian political system. We believed that either directly or indirectly the action and inaction of governments around Australia were responsible for much of the animal cruelty that we hear about or witness every single day.
In March this year the Animal Justice Party (“AJP”) was registered as Australia’s newest and only political party for animals. Since then we have been steadily putting in place the building blocks necessary to enable the standing of candidates in the 2013 General Election and elections in other jurisdictions after that. There are now 13 policies supporting animal well-being on the AJP web site with many more to come. There is a new section on the AJP website where members can update their contact details and view additional information about the AJP’s fight for animal justice.
In October the AJP was represented at the Living Green Festival in Canberra and the Cruelty Free Festival in Sydney. New members eventuated from both. You can now obtain AJP tee-shirts and carry bags by emailing the info line with your details. Shortly we will be holding the official launch of the AJP and its policies via social media. We will keep you posted on this. With just a few more members the AJP will also be able to register in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory with registration in Victoria not far behind.
Graphic video footage of animal brutality, continuous lobbying and well-researched reports by those seeking greater animal welfare outcomes appear recently to have fallen on the deaf ears of the current Australian Government. The animal brutality and disregard continues. The only language major political parties understand is votes in marginal seats at the ballot box, and this is an area in which the AJP can make a difference to the lives of animals. Now more than ever there is a need for a political party for animals.
Bernie Brennan has had to step down from his role as Party Secretary due to ill health and has been replaced by current Treasurer Kerry Hewson. We wish Bernie a speedy recovery from his injury so we can once again benefit from his commitment to animals. I am certain Kerry will fill the important task of Party Secretary with all the energy it requires.
Early warning for your diaries; the AJP Annual General Meeting will be held in Sydney in mid-February. Formal details will be sent to all members early in January.
Finally, we wish all our members a safe summer break and keep up the good work in helping our wonderful animals.
Professor Steve Garlick
President