South West Coast MP Roma Britnell has collected about 1000 signatures for a petition which condemns Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Britnell was at the Sungold Field Days in Allansford last week collecting signatures and wants to table the petition in state parliament in coming weeks.
The petition condemns Mr Meddick for his comments that the dairy industry should be reduced by 20 per cent and people should move to a plant-based diet.
"That will have detrimental affects to the economy locally and to jobs," Mrs Britnell said.
The petition requests Mr Meddick visit south-west dairy farms to see "the enormous contribution they make towards good environmental outcomes". It says farmers manage erosion, invasive weeds, vermin and take great care of their animals.
"We want to raise the profile of what farmers do and stand up against the animal activists," Mrs Britnell said.
"People are horrified to hear that we have an animal activist representing us in Western Victoria.
"They are asking me how did this happen.
"The largest dairy industry in our nation has an animal activist whose first action is to compromise the industry which is the largest contributor to the economy here."
Mr Meddick hit back at Mrs Britnell and said he stood by his comments.
“It is disappointing that a fellow Member of Parliament would devote time to a childish personal attack," he said.
"I stand by my statement that the dairy industry should be reduced by 20 per cent and transition to plant-based agriculture.
"The animal agriculture industry including dairy is one the greatest contributors to climate change, and this has been proven time and time again by world-renowned climate scientists.
"This tactic is demonstrative of a desperate party that has no relevance in the lower house, and sadly not surprising from a member of a party that had nothing to offer than gutter politics throughout the election campaign.
"I hope that Mrs Britnell decides to change her focus to initiatives that will help future proof the south-west coast environment and all its inhabitants.”
Mr Meddick said he had visited many farms including dairy farms but would be happy to accept the invitation of the region's constituents to visit more.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
