Foot-and-mouth disease: Mark McGowan says Alannah MacTiernan ‘went a bit far’ with divisive commentary

Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan “went a bit far and made a mistake” when claiming an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would result in cheaper meat and milk for West Australians, according to Premier Mark McGowan.

However, Mr McGowan said he continued to back the “very hardworking minister” amid calls for her resignation – most recently from Nationals candidate Merome Beard, who is contesting the North West Central by-election.

Ms MacTiernan sparked outrage among livestock producers last week when playing down the potential impact of FMD’s arrival in WA – specifically for saying “it would not be catastrophic” and that “some people might argue it might actually make (animal products) cheaper because there’ll be more of it available domestically”.

Mr McGowan on Monday acknowledged the divisive comments – which saw Ms MacTiernan labelled city-centric and out of touch with farmers – were ill-judged but backed her to remain.

“She puts a huge amount of effort into her portfolio and is a workaholic,” he said.

“And she has a whole raft of achievements to her name and is very committed to our farming communities, regional communities and the agriculture sector in general.

“She apologised for her words. She knows she went a bit far and made a mistake in what she said. I think that’s the end of the matter.”

The Premier’s defense of Ms MacTiernan comes as Ms Beard – a pub owner in Carnarvon - added her voice to those calling for her departure.

“The Minister’s blasé approach is astonishing and incredibly naïve,” Ms Beard said.

“If FMD is allowed into our State it will shut down our livestock and pastoral industry for months which will have a knock-on effect to many small businesses and all West Australians.

“This is the biggest threat to our agricultural industry in recent memory and the (McGowan Government) need to take it seriously and act now.”

Federal Liberal MP Rick Wilson and Shadow Agriculture Minister Colin de Grussa have both also called for Ms MacTiernan’s sacking.

“For a so-called Minister for Agriculture to treat this issue in such a cavalier and careless manner indicates she is not fit in any way, shape or form to hold her current position,” Mr Wilson said last week.

She was also lashed by both the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and WA Farmers Federation – the latter claiming she viewed biosecurity as “boring”.

“The farmers have been disappointed with this minister for the last five years,” WA Farmers Federation chief executive Trevor Whittington said.

“She’s not really interested in agriculture. She is more interested in hemp and organics… and totally fascinated and captured by climate change.”

The outpouring of anger prompted Ms MacTiernan to walk back her comments on Friday, insisting the McGowan Government was “absolutely throwing everything we can” at preventing FMD arriving in WA and that the situation was “serious”.

“But I am very concerned that we have been creating a sense for many farmers that this will lead to the absolute decimation of their industry,” she said.

“We’re also concerned too, that there has been a great deal of anxiety amongst consumers that we will no longer be able to get livestock products.

“I just want people to understand this: this is a serious threat but it is one that we can manage.”