THE Animal Justice Party (AJP) has thrown a cat against the pigeons suggesting it is the biggest threat to The Australian Greens' electoral ambitions and that its membership is being bolstered by disaffected Greens.
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The AJP's lead NSW candidate Emma Hurst has suggested the party could hold the balance of power in the aftermath of what is shaping up to be a volatile state election.
"We're standing candidates in more than 50 seats, more than twice the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party," said Ms Hurst.
The AJP has two major policy differences with the Greens - relating to brumbies in National Parks and kangaroos.
Ms Hurst said while the Greens supported aerial culling of brumbies and kangaroo kills, the AJP did not.
She said following the Greens support for the measures the AJP had a big jump in membership and donations.
“It may be an unpopular topic among farmers, but the AJP recognises that kangaroos are part of Australian wildlife and have their own intrinsic value”, said Hurst.
“This is the largest slaughter of wildlife in the world and there are human, animal, and environmental concerns within this industry that have so far been ignored.
"Hunters are killing the larger males causing issues with natural selection, and there are human rights issues associated with the hideous working conditions for those tasked to kill these animals," said Ms Hurst.
The AJP is yet to strike any preference deals with other parties, but has openly met with the Greens and Labor and said an announcement would be forthcoming in a week or so.
