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Emma Hurst MP tells the NSW Parliament that the Plant Based Treaty is “both practical and solution-based” as she urges cities nationwide to endorse it following Darebin’s lead.

(New South Wales – August 23, 2024) — Emma Hurst, MP used her adjournment speech in the New South Wales Parliament to call for cities and politicians across Australia to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, describing the treaty as, “both practical and solution-based.” and saying, “it makes complete sense.”

Hurst told Parliament, “The reasons are compelling. We’re talking about community inclusion, food justice and security, reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Most importantly, we are talking about the immediate impact that compassionate alternatives can have in saving billions of individual animals from a lifetime of exploitation and suffering. Animals are not here for us. Our systems of exploitation cannot continue and one day these systems will be relics. The shift to plant-based food systems is a necessary and inevitable shift if we are going to have any chance at a healthy and viable planet. It’s also a shift that brings with it immense opportunity, potential and innovation. I strongly encourage all local councils in New South Wales to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, even closer to home I invite all Members of Parliament and staff who are interested in New South Wales Parliament House becoming a more sustainable place of governance to reach out. Step by step, we can make this a kinder, more inclusive, and forward-thinking institution.”

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Media files: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1JUysCahtfyE2N6zbTpGKdmgLecvzHK7o

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txejquVKTTU

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(New South Wales – August 23, 2024) — Emma Hurst, MP used her adjournment speech in the New South Wales Parliament to call for cities and politicians across Australia to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, describing the treaty as, “both practical and solution-based.” and saying, “it makes complete sense.”

Hurst told Parliament, “The reasons are compelling. We’re talking about community inclusion, food justice and security, reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Most importantly, we are talking about the immediate impact that compassionate alternatives can have in saving billions of individual animals from a lifetime of exploitation and suffering. Animals are not here for us. Our systems of exploitation cannot continue and one day these systems will be relics. The shift to plant-based food systems is a necessary and inevitable shift if we are going to have any chance at a healthy and viable planet. It’s also a shift that brings with it immense opportunity, potential and innovation. I strongly encourage all local councils in New South Wales to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, even closer to home I invite all Members of Parliament and staff who are interested in New South Wales Parliament House becoming a more sustainable place of governance to reach out. Step by step, we can make this a kinder, more inclusive, and forward-thinking institution.”

Reacting to the speech, Sheena Chhabra, Plant Based Treaty Australia campaigner said, “Emma Hurst’s powerful call to action in Parliament is a pivotal moment for Australia’s future. As climate disasters become more frequent and food security is increasingly threatened, the need for a shift to plant-based food systems has never been more urgent. Hurst’s speech echoes the voices of Australians who are demanding sustainable and compassionate alternatives that protect both our planet and its inhabitants. Darebin City Council’s endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty is just the beginning—we need more MPs and councils to step up, embrace this visionary approach, and lead Australia toward a resilient, equitable, and plant-based future.”

Anita Krajnc, Plant Based Treaty global campaign coordinator, said, “We welcome Darebin City Council as the 30th city worldwide to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst’s call for all cities across Australia to endorse the Plant Based Treaty is exactly what is needed to put bottom-up pressure on the federal government to follow suit and advocate for global negotiations for a Paris-aligned Plant Based Treaty. There is still time to avoid the worst of the climate change tipping points if Australia effectively champions plant-based climate action now!”

In April 2024, Darebin joined a global movement of 30 towns and cities, including Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Edinburgh, in endorsing the Plant Based Treaty. The initiative calls for a global agreement that aligns the food system to the Paris Agreement, along with the implementation of best practices in plant-based food policy at the city and institutional levels. It has received support from 150,000 individual endorsers, 5 Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, and more than 3000 groups and businesses, including Healthy Futures, The Australian Vegetarian Society (NSW), Animals Australia, Animal Justice Party and chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

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