Government behind animal welfare poll, Opposition MP claims

Alex Sinnott

Weekly Times

1 October 2020

A GOVERNMENT commissioned telephone poll is asking Victorians their views on animal rights, a state opposition MP claims.

Liberal MP Bev McArthur said an unidentified polling company had been gauging public sentiment on animal liberationist matters in recent weeks.

“Victorian farmers should be deeply concerned about a phone survey currently being commissioned by the Labor Government,” the Western Victoria MP said.

“The survey is asking respondents about their views on ‘animal sentience’ and other ideological concepts, in preparation for ‘new proposed animal welfare legislation’ — according to one of the pollsters.

“You’d think that during a crisis in which they’ve shut down virtually every industry, the State Government would have higher priorities than asking Melburnians whether they agree with the statement that ‘animals should have the same rights as humans’ — which aren’t very many under the current draconian restrictions.”

Mrs McArthur and Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick, who both represent the Western Victoria constituency, have been engaged in a series of debates over farming since they were both elected in November 2018.

State Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes was contacted by The Weekly Times but has not responded.