Canberra Daily has asked parties running in this year’s election to provide a profile.
As a progressive voice for animals and the environment in the ACT, Robyn Soxsmith says she is proud to stand as the Animal Justice Party ACT candidate for Brindabella.
The Animal Justice Party was established in 2009 in response to growing public concern over the abuse, harm, and mistreatment of animals across Australia. It aims to give a political voice to animals, to use Australia’s political system to protect animals, and to encourage political parties to adopt animal-friendly policies.
A long-time Kambah resident, Ms Soxsmith says she has been a dedicated advocate for animals and social justice causes for more than 25 years. Now retired from the federal public service, she devotes her time and experience to volunteering – including through direct action, running a women’s community social group, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, and sitting on animal committees.
Ms Soxsmith says she is determined to bring an end to “the annual kangaroo massacre” in Canberra. She co-founded the Animal Protectors Alliance, an association to expose the cruelty of the cull, which she says slaughters more than a thousand kangaroos and joeys each year.
“It is time for the ACT Government to take animal protection seriously, and legislate a permanent end to the slaughter of our native wildlife,” Ms Soxsmith said.
She is concerned about the loss of Canberra’s reputation as the beautiful Bush Capital, and if elected, would prioritise the protection of the ACT’s wildlife and its reserves.
The Animal Justice Party’s MPs, members, and volunteers lobby for tougher animal protection laws and increased penalties for convicted animal abusers; for better regulations around the trade of companion animals; and for better education and awareness of the treatment of animals.
“We understand the way to do this is to support sustainable and ethical practices that raise the status of animals, strengthen our economy, lower our healthcare costs and ensure we create a bright future for our animals and our children.”
