Pauline Hanson Supports Candidate Despite Controversial Comments
Pauline Hanson has urged the public to "get over it" and expressed full support for David Farley, her party’s candidate in the Farrer byelection, despite Farley likening former prime minister Julia Gillard to a "non-productive old cow."
The comments by Farley, an agriculture businessman, have drawn attention as he contests the 9 May byelection for the seat of Farrer, previously held by Sussan Ley for 25 years.
Background on the Farrer Byelection
The byelection is a significant test for One Nation’s growing public support and the Liberal Party under Angus Taylor’s leadership. It was triggered after Ley was ousted as Liberal leader.
David Farley, aged 69, is based in Narrandera and works as an irrigator. He is a father of three daughters and grandfather to seven grandchildren.
Details of the Controversial Comments
In 2012, while serving as chief executive of the Australian Agricultural Company, Farley made a reference to Julia Gillard during a business conference. He spoke about a new abattoir plant designed to process older cows, which he described as "non-productive." He said:
"This plant is designed to process old cows,"
"So the old cows that become non-productive, instead of making a decision to either let her die in the paddock or put her in the truck … this gives us a chance to take non-productive animals off and put them through the processing system."
"So it’s designed for non-productive old cows. Julia Gillard’s got to watch out."
Reports indicated that the comment was met with sustained laughter from the audience. Farley later stated that the remarks were intended to be "tongue-in-cheek" and claimed they had been taken out of context.
Candidate Selection and Political Context
Farley was officially selected as One Nation’s candidate for Farrer on Saturday at an event attended by Pauline Hanson and Nationals defector Barnaby Joyce.
Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister, faced repeated sexist commentary during her tenure. Notably, Barnaby Joyce attended a rally outside Parliament House in 2011 where Coalition figures, including then opposition leader Tony Abbott, stood before signs featuring Gillard’s image with the slogan "ditch the witch."
Pauline Hanson’s Defense of Farley
On Sunday, Hanson defended Farley’s remarks in a statement to Australia, describing the comments as "mild" compared to the sentiments within the agriculture industry at the time.
"Get over it. This is a country with serious issues on our plate and journalists want to trawl through 14-year-old, tongue-in-cheek comments?"
"I fully back David Farley and his comments."
Hanson urged the public to consider the context in which the comments were made, referring to the then Labor government’s six-month ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia. This ban was later challenged in court by a cattle industry class action in 2020 and ruled invalid.
"I’d suggest the comments were quite mild compared to what the industry truly felt at the time," Hanson added.
Reactions from Other Politicians
Melissa McIntosh, the Liberal shadow minister for women, described Farley’s comments as "inappropriate." She stated to Australia:
"Mr Farley’s comments about former prime minister Gillard were inappropriate. It is up to Mr Farley to clarify those remarks."
Details on the Farrer Seat and Election Candidates
Sussan Ley held the southern New South Wales seat of Farrer for 25 years after winning it from the Nationals when former leader Tim Fisher retired in 2001.
The Liberals have not yet nominated a candidate for the upcoming byelection, while the Nationals are expected to finalize their preselection on Sunday. Labor is not anticipated to run in this contest.
Pauline Hanson claimed on Saturday that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was reluctant to contest the seat, suggesting:
"He knows damn well that he is going to get a lower vote than last time."
