Threats posted about NSW minister over feral pig program

Misogynistic and threatening posts directed towards NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty have been posted on a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party social media page. NSW Premier Chris Minns has labelled the commentary "appalling" and "disgraceful". What's next? NSW Police has confirmed inquiries into the matter are continuing. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has referred "vile" comments made about her on the Facebook page of a political party to police. The misogynistic and violent comments were posted on the Facebook page of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Party in response to an announcement about a feral pig eradication program. "I do think there needs to be consequences for serious threats that are made against anybody," Ms Moriarty said. "Some of the comments are pretty vile. "My team have met with the police … they've indicated they will follow up and I hope they do." In a statement to the ABC, NSW Police said its inquiries into the matter were ongoing. "Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command are aware of social media posts targeting a member of parliament," a spokesperson said. SFF MLC Mark Banasiak was questioned about the posts on ABC Sydney's 702 Breakfast program. "When we see those comments, they are removed and deleted," he said. "If we feel any of them warrant further referral, we do." Mr Banasiak said he had not been made aware of the posts and could not recall the last time he referred commentary on either the party's or his professional Facebook page to the police. Ms Moriarty said all politicians and parties had "a responsibility to monitor what's happening on our social media feeds". Some of the posts, viewed by the ABC, are now no longer appearing on the SFF Facebook page. Mr Minns said Ms Moriarty should be able to do her job without abuse or vilification. "I thought it was appalling; no-one deserves that," he said. "Twenty or 30 years ago you never saw that sort of abuse; people would be too ashamed to label someone like that. "Now they feel like they've got impunity to do it online and it's disgraceful." Minister says 'it's not on' Ms Moriarty said it was not the first time she had received a violent threat this year. "People should be able to have robust debates online, but there's no need at all to threaten anybody at any time with violence," she said. "It's not on." Mr Banasiak himself spoke about politicians being subjected to threats in NSW Parliament in October 2024. "What many of us did not sign up for was direct threats and untold levels of personal abuse," he said at the time.