Threats posted about NSW minister over feral pig program

New South Wales Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has referred "vile" and misogynistic comments targeting her to the police. The remarks appeared on the Facebook page of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Party, following Moriarty's announcement of a new feral pig eradication program.

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I do think there needs to be consequences for serious threats that are made against anybody.

Moriarty described some of the comments as "pretty vile" and stated that her team has met with the police, who have indicated they will investigate. She stressed the importance of consequences for serious threats made against anyone and asserted that politicians should be able to perform their duties without facing abuse or vilification.

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Some of the comments are pretty vile.

NSW Premier Chris Minns labeled the commentary "appalling" and "disgraceful." He expressed that no one deserves such treatment and noted a shift in online behavior where individuals feel emboldened to post abusive content, unlike in previous decades. Minns emphasized that while robust online debate is acceptable, threats of violence are unacceptable.

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I thought it was appalling; no-one deserves that.

SFF MLC Mark Banasiak stated he was unaware of the specific threatening posts and that such comments are typically removed and deleted if identified. He mentioned that the party does refer commentary to the police when warranted. However, he could not recall the last time he referred online commentary to law enforcement. Some of the posts viewed by the ABC are no longer visible on the SFF Facebook page. Police have confirmed their inquiries into the matter are ongoing.

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People should be able to have robust debates online, but there's no need at all to threaten anybody at any time with violence.