Emma Hurst inspired envy over lunch at NSW Parliament last week during an introductory day for politicians elected to the Legislative Council.

“I was the only one who ate vegan, but there were at least three of them who said the next time they would order vegan,” she said. “I think there was a little bit of jealousy around the table that my food looked better.”

Emma Hurst said she received messages of congratulations for helping to end the political career of the Liberal Democrats’ David Leyonhjelm, whose attempt to transfer from the Senate to the NSW Upper House failed despite his claiming victory three weeks ago. Credit:James Brickwood

Few politicians are asked about their diet as much as Ms Hurst, who is required as a candidate for the Animal Justice Party to be vegan or transitioning to veganism.

Her colleague in the NSW upper house, Mark Pearson, attracted criticism in 2017 after he was caught eating fish at a Japanese restaurant.