Overview
- The upper house passed the repeal late Thursday in a 19–7 vote with support from Labor, Liberals, the Greens and several crossbenchers, while the Nationals and the Animal Justice Party opposed it.
- The existing plan to retain 3,000 wild horses remains in force through mid-2027, creating a transition window before new management rules are set.
- Independent MP Joe McGirr led the repeal, rolling back the 2018 law introduced by then–deputy premier John Barilaro that recognised brumby heritage and required 3,000 horses across 32% of the park.
- Environmental and Indigenous advocates welcomed the decision, citing harm to fragile alpine wetlands and threats to native species such as the southern corroboree frog and the broad-toothed rat.
- Population estimates vary widely after recent culls, with reports ranging from roughly 1,600 to about 5,600 horses and ABC reporting a latest count near 3,000.