Description of farmers as “exploiters” labelled offensive and disgusting

Dr Steve Thomas says today’s comments by the Animal Justice Party MP Amanda Dorn in Parliamentary debate where she described Western Australian farmers as “exploiters” were disgusting and deeply disappointing.

“Those farmers across WA who are doing their best to care for their flocks and herds would be furious to hear themselves denigrated in Parliamentary debate this morning” Dr Thomas said.

“For the Animal Justice Party to describe farmers as “exploiters” is outrageous, and the sad reality is that I think it was not just grandstanding by the Member but is actually the deeply held philosophy of the Party.

“This agenda of demonising and vilifying farmers in WA will actually set good animal welfare back decades by pitting them against the wider community.

“All West Australians want to see the best outcomes for animals and their welfare, but only a radicalised few want to damage farmers in the process.

“That group of radicals obviously now includes the Animal Justice Party.

“I condemn these comments in the strongest possible terms – there were disgraceful and disgusting.

“Western Australian farmers, the Parliament, and the entire WA community all deserve better than this.”