Animal Justice Party: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Political party in Australia}} |
{{Short description|Political party in Australia}} |
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{{about|an Australian political party|a Finnish party|Animal Justice Party of Finland}} |
{{about|an Australian political party|a Finnish party|Animal Justice Party of Finland|the New Zealand political party|Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand}} |
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{{Use Australian English|date=October 2017}} |
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2017}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} |
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| logo_size = 220px |
| logo_size = 220px |
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| leader = |
| leader = |
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| president = |
| president = Bruce Poon |
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| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2009}} |
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2009}} |
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| abbreviation = AJP |
| abbreviation = AJP |
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| youth_wing = Young AJP<ref>{{cite news |title=Young AJP |url=https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/nsw-young-ajp/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Animal Justice Party NSW}}</ref> |
| youth_wing = Young AJP<ref>{{cite news |title=Young AJP |url=https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/nsw-young-ajp/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Animal Justice Party NSW}}</ref> |
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| headquarters = Sydney |
| headquarters = Sydney |
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| ideology = {{Nowrap|[[Animal welfare]]<br>[[Vegan politics]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet the refugee turned hip-hop artist vying for your vote |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/article/meet-the-refugee-turned-hip-hop-artist-vying-for-your-vote/wca3pzd1l |website=SBS News |language=en |quote=One thing all AJP candidates have in common is they must be vegan or transitioning to veganism.}}</ref>}} |
| ideology = {{Nowrap|[[Animal welfare]]<br>[[Veganism|Vegan politics]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet the refugee turned hip-hop artist vying for your vote |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/article/meet-the-refugee-turned-hip-hop-artist-vying-for-your-vote/wca3pzd1l |website=SBS News |language=en |quote=One thing all AJP candidates have in common is they must be vegan or transitioning to veganism.}}</ref>}} |
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| colours = {{nowrap|{{Colour box|#5B2C86}} Purple<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Justice Party Victoria |url=https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/ |website=vic.animaljusticeparty.org |access-date=3 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003010325/https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/ |archive-date=3 October 2024}}</ref> {{Colour box|#000000}} black}}<br/>{{Colour box|#BF1E2E}} red<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Justice Party NSW |url=https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/ |website=nsw.animaljusticeparty.org |access-date=3 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007174052/https://nsw.animaljusticeparty.org/ |archive-date=7 October 2024}}</ref> {{Colour box|#FFFFFF}} white |
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| colours = {{Colour box|#000000}} Black {{Colour box|#BF1E2E}} Red {{Colour box|#FFFFFF}} White |
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| colorcode = |
| colorcode = {{party color|Animal Justice Party}} |
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| seats1_title = [[Legislative Council of New South Wales|NSW Legislative Council]] |
| seats1_title = [[Legislative Council of New South Wales|NSW Legislative Council]] |
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| seats1 = {{Composition bar|1|42| |
| seats1 = {{Composition bar|1|42|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| seats2_title = [[Victorian Legislative Council]] |
| seats2_title = [[Victorian Legislative Council]] |
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| seats2 = {{Composition bar|1|40| |
| seats2 = {{Composition bar|1|40|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| seats3_title = [[City of |
| seats3_title = [[City of Swan|Swan City Council]] |
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| seats3 = {{Composition bar|1| |
| seats3 = {{Composition bar|1|15|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| seats4_title = |
| seats4_title = |
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| seats4 = |
| seats4 = |
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| seats5_title = |
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| seats5 = |
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| website = {{URL|https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/|www.animaljusticeparty.org}} |
| website = {{URL|https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/|www.animaljusticeparty.org}} |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Animal Justice Party''' ('''AJP''') is a [[List of political parties in Australia|political party in Australia]] founded in 2009 by Steve Garlick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Professor Steve Garlick |url=https://www.ciwf.org.uk/about-us/visionaries/academia/professor-steve-garlick/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=www.ciwf.org.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Loop {{!}} Steve Garlick |url=https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/639507/bio |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=loop.frontiersin.org}}</ref> The party was registered by the [[Australian Electoral Commission]] (AEC) on 3 May 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/capital-circle/questions-for-pakistan-as-bin-laden-raid-details-emerge/story-fn59nqgy-1226049538121 |title=Questions for Pakistan as Bin Laden raid details emerge |author=Massola, James |work=[[The Australian]] |date=4 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> The party is also registered in [[New South Wales]], [[Queensland]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Electoral Commission of Queensland |title=Political party registrations |url=https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/political-party-registrations |website=www.ecq.qld.gov.au |access-date=26 January 2020 |language=en |date=6 January 2020}}</ref> [[South Australia]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Western Australia]], [[Tasmania]], [[Northern Territory]], and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]. The AJP is the first political party in Australia formed solely to advance [[animal welfare]] issues.<ref>{{cite hansard |url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/member/files/134/Inaugural%20speech%20-%20Mark%20Pearson.pdf |title=Mark Pearson's Maiden Speech in NSW Legislative Assembly |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/animal-justice-party.php |title=A New Political Party FOR the Animals! |publisher=Animals Australia |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> |
The '''Animal Justice Party''' ('''AJP''') is a [[List of political parties in Australia|political party in Australia]] founded in 2009 by Steve Garlick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Professor Steve Garlick |url=https://www.ciwf.org.uk/about-us/visionaries/academia/professor-steve-garlick/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=www.ciwf.org.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Loop {{!}} Steve Garlick |url=https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/639507/bio |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=loop.frontiersin.org}}</ref> The party was registered by the [[Australian Electoral Commission]] (AEC) on 3 May 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/capital-circle/questions-for-pakistan-as-bin-laden-raid-details-emerge/story-fn59nqgy-1226049538121 |title=Questions for Pakistan as Bin Laden raid details emerge |author=Massola, James |work=[[The Australian]] |date=4 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> The party is also registered in [[New South Wales]], [[Queensland]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Electoral Commission of Queensland |title=Political party registrations |url=https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/candidates-and-parties/political-party-registrations |website=www.ecq.qld.gov.au |access-date=26 January 2020 |language=en |date=6 January 2020}}</ref> [[South Australia]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Western Australia]], [[Tasmania]], [[Northern Territory]], and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]. The AJP is the first political party in Australia formed solely to advance [[animal welfare]] issues.<ref>{{cite hansard |url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/member/files/134/Inaugural%20speech%20-%20Mark%20Pearson.pdf |title=Mark Pearson's Maiden Speech in NSW Legislative Assembly |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/animal-justice-party.php |title=A New Political Party FOR the Animals! |publisher=Animals Australia |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> |
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==Policies and philosophy== |
==Policies and philosophy== |
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The [[preamble]] of the AJP [[charter]] says the party "has been formed as a response to growing public concern about the neglect of animals and animal protection issues by political parties" and states its mission is to "secure the interests of animals and nature through Australia’s democratic institutions of government".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Our Charter – Animal Justice Party |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/charter}}</ref> The AJP's vision is a "planet on which animals and nature have the right to live and thrive free from negative human interference and a human society which functions with kindness and compassion within its ecological limits as a responsible member of the Earth community." The ideology of the party has |
The [[preamble]] of the AJP [[charter]] says the party "has been formed as a response to growing public concern about the neglect of animals and animal protection issues by political parties" and states its mission is to "secure the interests of animals and nature through Australia’s democratic institutions of government".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Our Charter – Animal Justice Party |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/charter}}</ref> The AJP's vision is a "planet on which animals and nature have the right to live and thrive free from negative human interference and a human society which functions with kindness and compassion within its ecological limits as a responsible member of the Earth community." The ideology of the party has five guiding principles:<ref name=":0" /> |
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# "Each animal is the experiencing subject of a life. Animals and the natural environment should be respected for their own sake, not merely for their [[instrumental value]]s." |
# "Each animal is the experiencing subject of a life. Animals and the natural environment should be respected for their own sake, not merely for their [[instrumental value]]s." |
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# "Policies of other political parties, both nationally and internationally, that advance Animal Justice Party principles will be supported." |
# "Policies of other political parties, both nationally and internationally, that advance Animal Justice Party principles will be supported." |
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It has more than 50 published policies under the categories "Animals", "Environment" and "Humans".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Policies and Positions |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/our_policies |
It has more than 50 published policies under the categories "Animals", "Environment" and "Humans".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Policies and Positions |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/our_policies |access-date=8 November 2021 |website=Animal Justice Party}}</ref> The party aims to give animals [[Constitution of Australia|constitutional]] protection based on their [[Animal rights#Subjects-of-a-life|sentience]], as opposed to their instrumental value.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animaljusticeparty.org/constitution/ |title=Animal Justice Party Our Charter |publisher=Animal Justice Party |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603005731/http://www.animaljusticeparty.org/constitution/ |archive-date=3 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The AJP opposes the export of any live animals for profit, especially slaughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animaljusticeparty.org/policieslist/animals/live-animal-exports/|title=Live Animal Exports Animal Justice Party|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811133654/https://animaljusticeparty.org/policieslist/animals/live-animal-exports/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The AJP aims to legally recognise the inherent [[Rights of nature|Rights of Nature]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environmental Law |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/environmental_law |access-date=8 November 2021 |website=Animal Justice Party}}</ref> The party also opposes the eating of meat, and advocates a [[plant-based diet]].<ref name="plant-based diet">{{cite news |last1=Nicholls |first1=Sean |title=Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson admits: 'I strayed ... for that morsel' |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/animal-justice-party-mp-mark-pearson-admits-i-strayed--for-that-morsel-20170410-gvhrss.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=10 April 2017 |language=en |quote=The AJP policy on marine animals states: "Eating fish, whether farmed or wild, is incompatible with AJP's advocacy of a plant-based diet."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Human Diet and Animals |url=https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/human_diet_and_animals |website=Animal Justice Party}}</ref> Additionally, the AJP has 'positions' which are stances on human social issues that do not affect animals and which the AJP says flow clearly from its core values: Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-violence.<ref name=":1" /> |
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The party advocates for the abolition of factory farming, greyhound racing and the live export trade. The party also advocates for the termination of government funding for all animal product industries and for the advertising of animal products to be banned.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=Party in the upper house: Who's who on new Victorian crossbench |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/party-in-the-upper-house-who-s-who-on-new-victorian-crossbench-20181211-p50li6.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 December 2018 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref> |
The party advocates for the abolition of factory farming, greyhound racing and the live export trade. The party also advocates for the termination of government funding for all animal product industries and for the advertising of animal products to be banned.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=Party in the upper house: Who's who on new Victorian crossbench |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/party-in-the-upper-house-who-s-who-on-new-victorian-crossbench-20181211-p50li6.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 December 2018 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref> |
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In 2011, following the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]'s television footage showing [[Animal abuse|abuse]] and the slaughter of cattle from the [[Northern Territory]] in conditions that would not have been permitted in Australia, as well as the consequential nationwide protests by supporters of [[animal welfare]],<ref name="Aussies march">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/5163119/Aussies-march-to-end-live-cattle-exports/ |title=Aussies march to end live cattle exports |date=18 June 2011 |publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> AJP, along with [[Animals Australia]], the [[Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union]] (AMIEU), [[Australian Greens|The Greens]] and a range of other NGOs sought a ban on live animal exports. Banning live animal exports remains a core commitment on the AJP's election platform. |
In 2011, following the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]'s television footage showing [[Animal abuse|abuse]] and the slaughter of cattle from the [[Northern Territory]] in conditions that would not have been permitted in Australia, as well as the consequential nationwide protests by supporters of [[animal welfare]],<ref name="Aussies march">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/5163119/Aussies-march-to-end-live-cattle-exports/ |title=Aussies march to end live cattle exports |date=18 June 2011 |publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> AJP, along with [[Animals Australia]], the [[Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union]] (AMIEU), [[Australian Greens|The Greens]] and a range of other NGOs sought a ban on live animal exports. Banning live animal exports remains a core commitment on the AJP's election platform. |
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At the [[2015 New South Wales state election|2015 New South Wales election]], [[Mark Pearson (politician)|Mark Pearson]] gained 1.8% of the primary vote and won a seat in the [[New South Wales Legislative Council]], giving the party its first parliamentary representation.<ref name=nswlc>{{cite news|title=NSW Election 2015: Animal Justice Party wins seat in NSW Upper House|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-17/animal-justice-party-wins-seat-in-nsw-upper-house/6400492|access-date=17 April 2015|work=ABC News|date=17 April 2015}}</ref> At the [[2019 New South Wales state election|2019 New South Wales election]] the AJP increased its primary vote to 1.95% of the state total and winning a second seat filled by [[Emma Hurst|Emma Hurst MLC]]. |
At the [[2015 New South Wales state election|2015 New South Wales election]], [[Mark Pearson (Australian politician)|Mark Pearson]] gained 1.8% of the primary vote and won a seat in the [[New South Wales Legislative Council]], giving the party its first parliamentary representation.<ref name=nswlc>{{cite news|title=NSW Election 2015: Animal Justice Party wins seat in NSW Upper House|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-17/animal-justice-party-wins-seat-in-nsw-upper-house/6400492|access-date=17 April 2015|work=ABC News|date=17 April 2015}}</ref> At the [[2019 New South Wales state election|2019 New South Wales election]] the AJP increased its primary vote to 1.95% of the state total and winning a second seat filled by [[Emma Hurst|Emma Hurst MLC]]. |
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The AJP won its first seat in the [[Victorian Legislative Council]] at the [[2018 Victorian state election|2018 Victorian election]] elected [[Andy Meddick|Andy Meddick MLC]]. The party also increased its primary vote over that of the [[2014 Victorian state election|2014 Victorian election]]. Bruce Poon |
The AJP won its first seat in the [[Victorian Legislative Council]] at the [[2018 Victorian state election|2018 Victorian election]] elected [[Andy Meddick|Andy Meddick MLC]]. The AJP's second-ever Member of the Victorian Parliament, Georgie Purcell, was elected in 2022. The party also increased its primary vote over that of the [[2014 Victorian state election|2014 Victorian election]]. Bruce Poon stood at the [[2018 Lord Mayor of Melbourne by-election|2018 by-election for Lord Mayor of Melbourne]] achieving 1.63% of the vote. In 2020, the party's first ever local government representatives were elected: Charlie Vincent in the [[Alpine Shire]] and Julie Sloan in the [[City of Greater Bendigo]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Councillor Julie Sloan - City of Greater Bendigo|url=https://www.ajpvic.org.au/councillor_julie_sloan|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Animal Justice Party Victoria}}</ref> |
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==Composition== |
==Composition== |
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| 76,819 |
| 76,819 |
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| 1.8% |
| 1.8% |
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| {{Composition bar|1|21| |
| {{Composition bar|1|21|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{Composition bar|1|42| |
| {{Composition bar|1|42|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{increase}} 1 |
| {{increase}} 1 |
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| |
| |
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| 86,713 |
| 86,713 |
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| 1.95% |
| 1.95% |
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| {{Composition bar|1|21| |
| {{Composition bar|1|21|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{Composition bar|2|42| |
| {{Composition bar|2|42|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{increase}} 1 |
| {{increase}} 1 |
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| |
| |
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|101,183 |
|101,183 |
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|2.19% |
|2.19% |
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| {{Composition bar|0|21| |
| {{Composition bar|0|21|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{Composition bar|1|42| |
| {{Composition bar|1|42|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{decrease}} 1 |
| {{decrease}} 1 |
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| |
| |
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| 58,133 |
| 58,133 |
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| 1.70% |
| 1.70% |
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| {{Composition bar|0|40| |
| {{Composition bar|0|40|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{steady}} 0 |
| {{steady}} 0 |
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| |
| |
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| 88,520 |
| 88,520 |
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| 2.47% |
| 2.47% |
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| {{Composition bar|1|40| |
| {{Composition bar|1|40|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{increase}} 1 |
| {{increase}} 1 |
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| |
| |
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| 56,819 |
| 56,819 |
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| 1.45% |
| 1.45% |
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| {{Composition bar|1|40| |
| {{Composition bar|1|40|{{party color|Animal Justice Party}}}} |
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| {{ |
| {{steady}} 0 |
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== |
==Elected representatives== |
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===Current |
===Current=== |
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====[[New South Wales Legislative Council]]==== |
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* [[Emma Hurst]] (2019–present) |
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===Former=== |
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====[[New South Wales Legislative Council]]==== |
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====[[Victorian Legislative Council]]==== |
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* [[Andy Meddick]] (2018–2022) |
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=== Current members in local government === |
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* Matt Stellino (2021–2024) |
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* Julie Sloan – [[City of Greater Bendigo]], 2020–present |
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====[[City of Greater Bendigo|Greater Bendigo City Council]]==== |
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=== Former members of parliament=== |
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* Julie Sloan (2020–2024) |
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== Controversies == |
== Controversies == |
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In 2017, Animal Justice Party MP, Mark Pearson was allegedly found to have eaten seafood at a Japanese restaurant located in Sydney. Pearson acknowledged that whilst he eats an "almost vegan" diet, he "strayed for that morsel [of fish]". This incident resulted in backlash from the vegan community of Sydney, particularly on their Facebook pages, where they accused Pearson of being a "traitor" and a "hypocrite". In response, Pearson asserted that "the main constituents of the party are not vegans or vegetarians" and that "We did not get elected by the vegan community."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nicholls|first=Sean|date=10 April 2017|title=Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson admits: 'I strayed ... for that morsel'|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/animal-justice-party-mp-mark-pearson-admits-i-strayed--for-that-morsel-20170410-gvhrss.html|url-status=live|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104032210/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/animal-justice-party-mp-mark-pearson-admits-i-strayed--for-that-morsel-20170410-gvhrss.html|archive-date=4 January 2021}}</ref> Since then, the AJP has introduced rules that leaders and candidates representing the party must be vegan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rimmer|first=Michelle|date=16 May 2019|title=Minor Parties: Who are they?|work=SBS The Feed|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/meet-the-refugee-turned-hip-hop-artist-vying-for-your-vote|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> Notable vegan candidates include Chris Delforce, director of [[Dominion (2018 film)|the documentary ''Dominion'']],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-11-23|title=Prominent animal activist takes a bid at federal Senate|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2021-11-24/animal-justice-party-candidate-chris-delforce/100642706|access-date=2021-11-30}}</ref> and [[James Aspey]]. |
In 2017, Animal Justice Party MP, [[Mark Pearson (Australian politician)|Mark Pearson]] was allegedly found to have eaten seafood at a Japanese restaurant located in Sydney. Pearson acknowledged that whilst he eats an "almost [[vegan]]" diet, he "strayed for that morsel [of fish]". This incident resulted in backlash from the vegan community of Sydney, particularly on their Facebook pages, where they accused Pearson of being a "traitor" and a "hypocrite". In response, Pearson asserted that "the main constituents of the party are not vegans or vegetarians" and that "We did not get elected by the vegan community."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nicholls|first=Sean|date=10 April 2017|title=Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson admits: 'I strayed ... for that morsel'|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/animal-justice-party-mp-mark-pearson-admits-i-strayed--for-that-morsel-20170410-gvhrss.html|url-status=live|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104032210/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/animal-justice-party-mp-mark-pearson-admits-i-strayed--for-that-morsel-20170410-gvhrss.html|archive-date=4 January 2021}}</ref> Since then, the AJP has introduced rules that leaders and candidates representing the party must be vegan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rimmer|first=Michelle|date=16 May 2019|title=Minor Parties: Who are they?|work=SBS The Feed|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/meet-the-refugee-turned-hip-hop-artist-vying-for-your-vote|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> Notable vegan candidates include Chris Delforce, director of [[Dominion (2018 film)|the documentary ''Dominion'']],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-11-23|title=Prominent animal activist takes a bid at federal Senate|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2021-11-24/animal-justice-party-candidate-chris-delforce/100642706|access-date=2021-11-30}}</ref> and [[James Aspey]]. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Cultured meat]] |
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* [[List of animal advocacy parties]] |
* [[List of animal advocacy parties]] |
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* [[List of political parties in Australia]] |
* [[List of political parties in Australia]] |
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* [[Veganism]] |
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* [[Vegetarianism]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
Latest revision as of 08:54, 16 November 2024
Animal Justice Party | |
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Abbreviation | AJP |
President | Bruce Poon |
Founder | Steve Garlick |
Founded | 2009 |
Headquarters | Sydney |
Youth wing | Young AJP[1] |
Ideology | Animal welfare Vegan politics[2] |
Colours | Purple[3] black red[4] white |
NSW Legislative Council | 1 / 42 |
Victorian Legislative Council | 1 / 40 |
Swan City Council | 1 / 15 |
Website | |
www.animaljusticeparty.org | |
The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is a political party in Australia founded in 2009 by Steve Garlick.[5][6] The party was registered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 3 May 2011.[7] The party is also registered in New South Wales, Queensland,[8] South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. The AJP is the first political party in Australia formed solely to advance animal welfare issues.[9][10]
Policies and philosophy
[edit]The preamble of the AJP charter says the party "has been formed as a response to growing public concern about the neglect of animals and animal protection issues by political parties" and states its mission is to "secure the interests of animals and nature through Australia’s democratic institutions of government".[11] The AJP's vision is a "planet on which animals and nature have the right to live and thrive free from negative human interference and a human society which functions with kindness and compassion within its ecological limits as a responsible member of the Earth community." The ideology of the party has five guiding principles:[11]
- "Each animal is the experiencing subject of a life. Animals and the natural environment should be respected for their own sake, not merely for their instrumental values."
- "Animals have their own capabilities which they should be free to realise."
- "Human interactions with all animals should be based on respect and compassion."
- "Humans have the responsibility to avoid harm to animals and the environment through their lifestyles, diets and practices."
- "Policies of other political parties, both nationally and internationally, that advance Animal Justice Party principles will be supported."
It has more than 50 published policies under the categories "Animals", "Environment" and "Humans".[12] The party aims to give animals constitutional protection based on their sentience, as opposed to their instrumental value.[13] The AJP opposes the export of any live animals for profit, especially slaughter.[14] The AJP aims to legally recognise the inherent Rights of Nature.[15] The party also opposes the eating of meat, and advocates a plant-based diet.[16][17] Additionally, the AJP has 'positions' which are stances on human social issues that do not affect animals and which the AJP says flow clearly from its core values: Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-violence.[12]
The party advocates for the abolition of factory farming, greyhound racing and the live export trade. The party also advocates for the termination of government funding for all animal product industries and for the advertising of animal products to be banned.[18]
History
[edit]In 2011, following the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's television footage showing abuse and the slaughter of cattle from the Northern Territory in conditions that would not have been permitted in Australia, as well as the consequential nationwide protests by supporters of animal welfare,[19] AJP, along with Animals Australia, the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU), The Greens and a range of other NGOs sought a ban on live animal exports. Banning live animal exports remains a core commitment on the AJP's election platform.
At the 2015 New South Wales election, Mark Pearson gained 1.8% of the primary vote and won a seat in the New South Wales Legislative Council, giving the party its first parliamentary representation.[20] At the 2019 New South Wales election the AJP increased its primary vote to 1.95% of the state total and winning a second seat filled by Emma Hurst MLC.
The AJP won its first seat in the Victorian Legislative Council at the 2018 Victorian election elected Andy Meddick MLC. The AJP's second-ever Member of the Victorian Parliament, Georgie Purcell, was elected in 2022. The party also increased its primary vote over that of the 2014 Victorian election. Bruce Poon stood at the 2018 by-election for Lord Mayor of Melbourne achieving 1.63% of the vote. In 2020, the party's first ever local government representatives were elected: Charlie Vincent in the Alpine Shire and Julie Sloan in the City of Greater Bendigo.[21]
Composition
[edit]A 2021 qualitative study into the AJP interviewed members about the role of women in the party.[22] The researcher found that more than 70% of AJP members are women, far higher than other Australian political parties, and that "men [in the party] have a heightened awareness of any gender gap in leadership." Other findings included: greater opportunities for women to run for elected office, that women seize leadership opportunities, and that the gender of candidates mirrors the gender composition of the membership.
Electoral results
[edit]New South Wales
[edit]Election year | # of overall votes |
% of overall vote |
# of seats won |
# of overall seats |
+/– | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | 76,819 | 1.8% | 1 / 21
|
1 / 42
|
1 | |
2019 | 86,713 | 1.95% | 1 / 21
|
2 / 42
|
1 | |
2023 | 101,183 | 2.19% | 0 / 21
|
1 / 42
|
1 |
Victoria
[edit]Election year | # of overall votes |
% of overall vote |
# of seats won |
+/– | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 58,133 | 1.70% | 0 / 40
|
0 | |
2018 | 88,520 | 2.47% | 1 / 40
|
1 | |
2022 | 56,819 | 1.45% | 1 / 40
|
0 |
Elected representatives
[edit]Current
[edit]- Emma Hurst (2019–present)
- Georgie Purcell (2022–present)
Former
[edit]- Mark Pearson (2015–2023)
- Andy Meddick (2018–2022)
- Matt Stellino (2021–2024)
- Julie Sloan (2020–2024)
Controversies
[edit]In 2017, Animal Justice Party MP, Mark Pearson was allegedly found to have eaten seafood at a Japanese restaurant located in Sydney. Pearson acknowledged that whilst he eats an "almost vegan" diet, he "strayed for that morsel [of fish]". This incident resulted in backlash from the vegan community of Sydney, particularly on their Facebook pages, where they accused Pearson of being a "traitor" and a "hypocrite". In response, Pearson asserted that "the main constituents of the party are not vegans or vegetarians" and that "We did not get elected by the vegan community."[23] Since then, the AJP has introduced rules that leaders and candidates representing the party must be vegan.[24] Notable vegan candidates include Chris Delforce, director of the documentary Dominion,[25] and James Aspey.
See also
[edit]- Cultured meat
- List of animal advocacy parties
- List of political parties in Australia
- Veganism
- Vegetarianism
References
[edit]- ^ "Young AJP". Animal Justice Party NSW. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- ^ "Meet the refugee turned hip-hop artist vying for your vote". SBS News.
One thing all AJP candidates have in common is they must be vegan or transitioning to veganism.
- ^ "Animal Justice Party Victoria". vic.animaljusticeparty.org. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Animal Justice Party NSW". nsw.animaljusticeparty.org. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Professor Steve Garlick". www.ciwf.org.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ "Loop | Steve Garlick". loop.frontiersin.org. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Massola, James (4 May 2011). "Questions for Pakistan as Bin Laden raid details emerge". The Australian. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ Electoral Commission of Queensland (6 January 2020). "Political party registrations". www.ecq.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ "Mark Pearson's Maiden Speech in NSW Legislative Assembly" (PDF). Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 6 May 2015. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ^ "A New Political Party FOR the Animals!". Animals Australia. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Our Charter – Animal Justice Party".
- ^ a b "Policies and Positions". Animal Justice Party. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- ^ "Animal Justice Party Our Charter". Animal Justice Party. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ "Live Animal Exports Animal Justice Party". Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Environmental Law". Animal Justice Party. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- ^ Nicholls, Sean (10 April 2017). "Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson admits: 'I strayed ... for that morsel'". The Sydney Morning Herald.
The AJP policy on marine animals states: "Eating fish, whether farmed or wild, is incompatible with AJP's advocacy of a plant-based diet."
- ^ "Human Diet and Animals". Animal Justice Party.
- ^ Carey, Adam (11 December 2018). "Party in the upper house: Who's who on new Victorian crossbench". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ "Aussies march to end live cattle exports". Stuff.co.nz. 18 June 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ "NSW Election 2015: Animal Justice Party wins seat in NSW Upper House". ABC News. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
- ^ "Councillor Julie Sloan - City of Greater Bendigo". Animal Justice Party Victoria. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- ^ Abby, Ruth (2021). "'More Power to the Women': Gender and Australia's Animal Justice Party". Australian Feminist Studies. 35 (106): 405–420. doi:10.1080/08164649.2021.1924049. S2CID 235495552.
- ^ Nicholls, Sean (10 April 2017). "Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson admits: 'I strayed ... for that morsel'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ Rimmer, Michelle (16 May 2019). "Minor Parties: Who are they?". SBS The Feed. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- ^ "Prominent animal activist takes a bid at federal Senate". ABC News. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Current register of political parties (Australian Electoral Commission)