Latest news with #AnimalJusticeParty
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy
Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share."
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘A bit unique': MPs Josh Burns, Georgie Purcell are expecting a baby girl
Federal MP Josh Burns and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell have announced they are expecting a baby girl early in 2026. The pair made social media announcements on Sunday, with Purcell revealing she was receiving weekly medical checks as her pregnancy was deemed high-risk due to Purcell's autoimmune disease. Burns is a Labor Party member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara and Purcell is an Animal Justice Party member and sits in the Legislative Council representing Northern Victoria. Purcell also declared she would be running for re-election in the 2026 state election and planned to return to work in February. She published a detailed Instagram post about the pregnancy, including thanking the couple 's closest friends for keeping the news private until they chose to make it public. 'This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby) and I've been feeling good which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of the job,' Purcell wrote. 'But this new stage hasn't been without its challenges - some of you have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease. It means I'm navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness and because of the range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category.' She thanked the medical staff who have cared for her during weekly medical check-ups, calling them 'incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive.'
The Age
3 days ago
- Health
- The Age
‘A bit unique': MPs Josh Burns, Georgie Purcell are expecting a baby girl
Federal MP Josh Burns and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell have announced they are expecting a baby girl early in 2026. The pair made social media announcements on Sunday, with Purcell revealing she was receiving weekly medical checks as her pregnancy was deemed high-risk due to Purcell's autoimmune disease. Burns is a Labor Party member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara and Purcell is an Animal Justice Party member and sits in the Legislative Council representing Northern Victoria. Purcell also declared she would be running for re-election in the 2026 state election and planned to return to work in February. She published a detailed Instagram post about the pregnancy, including thanking the couple 's closest friends for keeping the news private until they chose to make it public. 'This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby) and I've been feeling good which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of the job,' Purcell wrote. 'But this new stage hasn't been without its challenges - some of you have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease. It means I'm navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness and because of the range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category.' She thanked the medical staff who have cared for her during weekly medical check-ups, calling them 'incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Political opponents Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell expecting first child together - a year after the MPs who hold VERY different views on Palestine went public with unlikely romance
Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell have stunned their followers by announcing that they are expecting their first child together. Purcell is a Victorian state MP representing the Animal Justice Party (AJP) and Burns is a federal MP with Labor. Described as 'one of the most unlikely political pairings in recent memory' the romance between the pair, who went public just over a year ago, has garnered attention over their opposing views on key issues like Palestine. Burns posted the good news of the pair's impending parenthood on Instagram, cuddling up to Purcell as they showed off a positive pregnancy test in a sweet selfie. 'Georgie and I are so excited to share with you that we're expecting a baby girl in the very first few days of 2026,' he wrote in the caption. 'Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun,' he continued. 'Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way. 'I'm over the moon excited and can't wait for this next chapter with my beautiful partner, Georgie, who I love with all my heart.' The two also showed off their sonogram image, and revealed that they are having a baby girl. Though they are both from left wing parties, Burns and Purcell's opposing views on the Middle East have raised many eyebrows. Burns, 37, is Jewish, a Zionist and a very prominent supporter of Israel, while Purcell, 31, is a pro-Palestinian activist who is regularly seen at protest marches. Purcell, a former stripper with multiple tattoos, has over 200,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts about Palestine. Burns said he and Purcell are able to find common ground on the issue, despite their seemingly distant viewpoints. 'We agree on so much and we talk about the rest. I respect her and she respects me. We agree on what is important – we want peace and an end to the violence,' he said. After going public with their romance, the AJP MP asked for some privacy over her relationship with the rising Labor star. 'I give more of myself to public life than most politicians, whether it be my past in sex work, my abortion experience or suffering from mental ill health – and it does take a toll,' she told the Herald Sun. 'Victorians have a right to judge my policies and my voting record, but all I ask is for some privacy in the parts of my personal life I choose not to share.' Last June, Burns' St Kilda electoral office was set on fire and windows were smashed in what the MP called a 'politically motivated attack '. The walls of the building were covered in red paint and graffitied with a slogan reading 'Zionism is fascism'. Zionism refers to the ideology that Jews deserve their own state in their ancestral homeland of Israel. It came amidst a string of acts of vandalism targeting the offices of state and federal MPs in the wake of the conflict in Gaza.
ABC News
17-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
WA hermit crab exporter Merv Cooper rejects exploitation claims
A West Australian who holds one of five licences to collect and sell thousands of hermit crabs as pets has rejected criticism he is exploiting and endangering the crustacean's population. Rockingham-based store owner Merv Cooper is one of five operators with a commercial fishing licence in WA's only hermit crab fishery, which spans more than 1,500 kilometres from Exmouth Gulf in the Pilbara to Kununurra in the Kimberley. For almost 50 years, from an idea that came to him when he was a Broome pearl diver, Mr Cooper has distributed Coenobita variabilis, land crabs in Australia and overseas, with international export numbers on previous permit declarations capped at 20,000 crabs per year. But his international export licence, which expired in December, is up for renewal by the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW). The store owner's proposal was open for public consultation for four weeks and caught the eye of conservation groups and the Animal Justice Party. They say Mr Cooper is exploiting the species and the proposal should be rejected. Mr Cooper said the criticism was unfounded. Mr Cooper said claims he was exceeding crab collection limits were wrong. "It's just the fact we've been operating for so long," he said. "There're three or four people in Perth that want to bring it to light that we've taken too many crabs from the places we go to. "There are millions of crabs. Mr Cooper said during a two-night trip, he could collect about 2,000 crabs in one location and only took crabs a "few times" a year for exporting. Total harvest numbers are not published due to the limited number of operators in the hermit crab fishery. Mr Cooper's proposal stated that if approved, he "could" take an average of 30,000 crabs a year, but would need to access new locations. The low price, about $5 for a small crab, makes them an ideal first pet for children and families. The Animal Justice Party (AJP) and WA's Conservation Council said not enough was being done to monitor crab numbers. AJP MP Amanda Dorn said she was firmly against the proposal, despite past international export approvals. "We think this is ecologically irresponsible and ethically indefensible," she said. "The underrated hermit crab has been largely ignored for many years ... (they are) being used as a 'throw away pet'. Conservation Council WA executive director Matt Roberts said Mr Cooper's proposal should be rejected because it increased the number of crabs he wanted to export. "It is a substantial increase and that would have a material impact on some of those ecosystems," he said. Broome resident Taryn Ryan operates education seminars and walking tours to find and identify shells on Kimberley beaches. She wants fauna studies into the impact on the region. "How are we going to know if the taking of hermit crabs is going to affect the crab population? We don't," she said. "[We could] even use this as an education opportunity. "Maybe we can participate and make sure it's done in the safest way possible." The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, which grants the commercial fishing licences, said there were no "identified risks" to the crab population. "There is also a prohibition in place to limit the number of fishers and restrict the method to hand collection only," principal fisheries management officer Graeme Baudains said. Mr Baudains said the department monitored catch numbers and trends. "There is no identified need for a dedicated population survey, given the very low level of take, comparative to the observed population," he said. Mr Cooper's Wildlife Trade Operator proposal is under assessment, with no timeline for a decision.
