‘Farmer the new poor’ – Thousands of Australian farmers attend protest in Canberra

According to the organiser, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), more than 2,000 farmers attended the protest that took place in front of the nation’s Parliament House in Canberra last Tuesday, 10th September. 

Farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with the centre-left Labour government plans to, among others, ban exports of live sheep, restrict water use, and accelerate construction of renewable power and transmission in rural areas. 

Farmers brought with them a number of signs to showcase their anger with the proposed policies. Some of them read “Farmer the new poor”, “Agricultural Income Deficiency Syndrome” and “wife home working”, the Guardian reported. 

The rally was preceded by a convoy of about 40 trucks and farm vehicles. 

Historic moment 

A NFF spokesperson said: “The NFF wishes to thank everyone who attended today, from the farmers and supporters who travelled from all corners of the nation, to those watching the event from their paddocks and homes, and to the media who covered the event, and also to our members who threw their support behind this historic moment.” 

Agriculture minister Julie Collins told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the government was committed to listening and had helped farmers by expanding overseas market access and investing in biosecurity, media report. 

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