Sign wearing activist Danny Lim to run as independent in NSW election

Peace sign wearing activist Danny Lim has thrown his hat in the ring for an upper house seat in NSW parliament.

Inner West identity Danny Lim with his dog Smarty outside Newtown station. Pictures: John Appleyard

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Peace sign wearing activist Danny Lim has thrown his hat in the ring for an upper house seat in NSW parliament.

More action on climate change, pill testing at music festivals and allowing pets on public transport are among his key election platforms.

The latter will come as no surprise to inner west commuters who regularly spot him with his pup Smarty at train stations wearing signs spreading peace, love and political messages.

“Pets are part of the family and there are so many people who don’t have transport who want to take their pet out with them or to the vet and they find it hard,” Mr Lim said.

“I see people on trains behaving worse than pets. In Europe you can take your dog on public transport, to the shops, cafes or anywhere”.

He suggested “big” dogs could wear a muzzle.

Mr Lim is organising a Pets on Public Transport march.

The 75-year-old has backed pill testing following a spate of drug deaths at music festivals.

“Kids are kids; they will do drugs anyway so we need to make sure it’s safe.

“Trying to stop young people from taking drugs would be like banning mobile phones.”

He said climate change would be his priority if elected as an independent to the Legislative Council at the state election on March 23.

Other issues he is passionate about include housing affordability, challenging racism, “Jest”Connex and more funding for health, education and TAFE.

“We need to give our future generations a chance.

“Everything I stand for is about a fair go and giving the little people a voice.

“Mainly I want to encourage other people, no matter how old you are or where you come from, to get involved and speak up.”

There was an outpouring of outrage and support for Mr Lim when police issued him an infringement notice for offensive behaviour at Barrangaroo on January 11.

But he doesn’t want to be seen as a symbol of resistance against police heavy-handedness.

“It’s not the police’s fault; it’s the state and federal government’s fault.”

Mr Lim, 75, is organising a march on March 9 in support of Pets on Public Transport starting at Belmore Park at 1pm and ending at Circular Quay about 3.30pm via Pitt St, Market St and Parliament House.