George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to make a stand for Aussie farmers, who are once again in the crosshairs of the extreme Greens. Right now we have farming families devastated by circumstances beyond their control—in particular, the cattle men and women of Queensland and New South Wales. These family farms were dealt a savage blow when the previous government—without warning—shut down their live cattle trade, and they are now battling the worst drought in 100 years. On the other hand, we have some alternative lifestylers with green stars in their eyes trying to convert everyone to vegetarianism or veganism with their meat-free week that starts on Monday. If these people make a personal lifestyle choice to not eat meat for whatever reason, I have no problem with that. But to orchestrate a campaign that kicks graziers while they are down is just downright un-Australian.

So in response to their meat-free week, I am launching a counter-campaign called Free Meat Week. I am going to encourage all Australian families to put on a meat-heavy barbecue for their mates—to get some good quality Aussie meat and invite your mates around for some free meat while supporting our mates, our farmers in the bush. In the words of John Cleese: 'If God did not intend for us to eat animals, then why did He make them out of meat?' I encourage all of those who support our Aussie famers to stand up against the Green machine. Visit www.freemeatweek.com.au, which will be live later this week, and join the campaign for our Aussie farmers.