Opinion Articles

All Aboard the Transition

THERE is one thing Australian governments have become genuinely world-class at: shutting industries down. When it comes to building what comes next, however, the record is far less impressive. The live sheep export ban is shaping up to be the latest – and perhaps clearest – example of this pattern. The Commonwealth has proven highly competent at ending a trade. What it has shown near-total incompetence at, is replacing that trade with anything functional, funded or operational

Trevor Whittington February 5, 2026

Correspondence

Open letter from WA Police Licensing Enforcement Division

OFFICIAL Dear Firearm Traders and Industry Representatives I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you today with an important update regarding the ongoing Firearms Reform Program. As you are aware, the Firearms Act 2024 introduced significant changes to our firearms legislation, marking one of the most comprehensive overhauls in the State’s history. Despite extensive efforts over the past six months, many licence holders still have not completed the required steps to

Darren Brown February 4, 2026

Toodyay landholder Tony Maddox. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

News Clippings

The Countryman: WAFarmers, PGA double down on Tony Maddox support as he prepares to head to Supreme Court

The following article appeared today on The Countryman newspaper website today. WAFarmers, PGA double down on Tony Maddox support as he prepares to head to Supreme Court Cally Dupe | Countryman WA’s two main agricultural lobby groups have doubled down on their support for Toodyay landholder Tony Maddox, while reassuring members that no levy or membership funds are being used to fight his case. WAFarmers and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia said

Darren Brown February 4, 2026

Media Releases

Joint media statement regarding Tony Maddox Aboriginal Heritage appeal advertising

Advertising to raise awareness of, and support for, a Supreme Court appeal of charges laid under the Aboriginal Heritage Act will begin in commercial media this week. The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) and WAFarmers are supporting Mr Maddox with in-kind services only, no financial contribution. BACKGROUND Why are WAFarmers and the PGA supporting Tony Maddox? The Tony Maddox case has highlighted many shared concerns about the management of WA’s cultural heritage

Darren Brown February 2, 2026

Submissions

Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code – Submission to the WAPC

Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code Submission to the Western Australian Planning Commission Executive Summary This submission responds to the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code released for public consultation in December 2025. It focuses on wind energy facilities and large-scale solar developments in rural and agricultural areas, and is grounded in established principles of property law, nuisance, and planning discretion. The draft Code adopts a lowest-common-denominator approach to setbacks, noise, shadow flicker, and visual amenity. It

Darren Brown February 1, 2026

Opinion Articles

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has a budget credibility problem

JACKIE Jarvis was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Food in December 2022. She picked up responsibility for Fisheries in March 2025, giving her three budgets and one election to get her head around the DPIRD budget papers. Now, long-suffering readers – along with the minister’s office and the diversity crew scattered across DPIRD’s multiple Perth HQs – will know exactly where this is going. Once again, I’ve gone back to the State budget to point

Trevor Whittington January 29, 2026

Opinion Articles

Heritage by litigation: How Ben Wyatt is rewriting history to excuse a failed law

“WAFarmers are reaping what they sow,” Ben Wyatt declared recently, reflecting on the looming Maddox case and claims by WAFarmers that the current laws are being selectively targeted by the department (Heritage stoush ‘makes mockery of WA laws’ intent, The Australian, 20 January 2026). There is a curious habit among former ministers once they leave office: they rediscover principle. Mr Wyatt’s recent commentary on Aboriginal cultural heritage laws is a textbook example. Draped in the language

Trevor Whittington January 29, 2026

News Clippings

ABC Country Hour interview with Trevor Whittington re Sheep Industry roadmap

“Well, this is the roadmap that’s been on the road for a long time” That’s how WAFarmers’ CEO Trevor Whittington started his interview with ABC WA Country Hour host Belinda Varischetti today in response to her question about the clarity of the Federal Government’s WA roadmap out of the live sheep trade. The interview took place while Trevor was attending an industry workshop in Perth, where he said more talking was wasting valuable time: “It’s

Darren Brown January 28, 2026

General News

WAFarmers Zone Meetings & AGMs

WAFarmers Zone Meetings & AGMs February 2026 Notice to members Please see the schedule of Zone meetings and AGMs below. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard and put forward motions to go to the WAFarmers AGM. Head office staff will be in attendance. We hope to see you at your local zone meeting. SCHEDULE Lower South West Zone (Meeting, AGM & Dinner) – Tuesday 3 February 2026, 6.30pm Tall Timbers Manjimup (RSVP

Darren Brown January 25, 2026

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