‘Frustration is driving farmers towards the Greens’

Over the past few decades, its been difficult for the Greens to get a foothold with the nation’s producers and graziers. 

But growing inaction on climate change from both sides of politics, along with their strong ties to the resource industry has lead farmers to the only viable alternative, Peter Wills said.

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The Quirindi farmer and the Greens’ New England candidate said farmers wanted real action on climate change.

“And the major parties are actively working against us in that area,” Mr Wills said.

“The scientific evidence is clear, we’ve been told uncategorically that it’s really happening and it’s going to effect the way we farm.

“These governments on both sides are not doing anything that supports proactive action on climate change and its associated risks.”

Mr Wills said these days, farmers have the risks of climate change “drilled into them”.

“The government doesn’t seem to appreciate precarious situation we find ourselves in,” he said.

“People out west are going to suffer first. They’re already working in feast-to-famine conditions with the weather.”

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The government’s energy policy and its preference for fossil fuels was adding to the angst of farmers, Mr Wills said.

“As farmers, we don’t want to risk agricultural land, water and our livelihood for these giant coal mines, which are predominately for the foreign export market,” he said.

“Politics is an evolving thing and when people are abandoned by their traditional parties, they seek alternatives.

“Often the Greens are seen as the only adults in the room talking about key issues.

“We’re the only party talking about protecting land and water from the resource industry. We’re the only party talking about climate change and true energy policy in the longer term.”