Wednesday 30 January 2019
Dear Editor
Benefits of being a charity should be reserved for supporting the work of legitimate charities.
It has no place being used to promote or fund alleged illegal activities.
The Federal Coalition Government’s move to review the charitable status of animal rights group Aussie Farms is a responsible response to the deeply concerning mass publication of thousands of farmers’ personal details online.
Farmers have legitimate concerns that publishing their address online”“ and encouraging people to add photos and video footage taken on the property”“ will make them a target of extreme animal rights activists.
Our farmers work hard to run responsible and sustainable businesses.
They deserve to be able to do this without fear for their own safety or that of their family and livestock.
Anyone found to be illegally entering Victorian farms and stealing livestock and anyone promoting or financially supporting this type of common theft should face the full force of the law.
Peter Walsh
Leader of The Nationals
Shadow Minister for Agriculture
Member for Murray Plains