A VICTORIAN woman has created something of a national uproar by claiming online that 17 Victorian farmers have committed suicide in recent days.
Jess Westbury from the town of Leopold, near Geelong, has stirred the consciences of some 1.8 million people online over her claim, but prompting some sceptics to question her motives and sources for the information.
“Yes, I said 17. That’s what had been reported to me at the time. Could the number be lower? Maybe. Could it be higher? Absolutely,” Ms Westbury posted on one of her social media pages in a very lengthy response.
“If that’s what you’re fixated on… you’re missing the point. I’m not here to explain myself. I’m not here to stay silent to keep you comfortable, and I’m definitely not here to make it more palatable for people who’d rather debate numbers or demand proof… than demand change.”
Ms Westbury runs an online business and organisation called WTF Movement : Wealth, Transformation & Freedom, and writes in a style often associated with online marketing.
Several days ago she made a post about the Victorian Labor government’s horrific Emergency Services Levy (aka tax) that could cost a considerable number of farmers struggling with drought up to and more than $80,000 each – basically a crippling blow farms running on overdrafts to feed hungry stock or to plant the next crop – when it rains.
Ms Westbury’s post has now been seen by more than 1.8 million people. “I had no idea it would get that kind of attention I didn’t ask for over 17,000 of you to share it, but to every one of you who did, thank you,” she said.
Farmer suicides are nothing new in Australia. They have been of great concern to people in rural and city communities alike. Stress can get the better of someone who works from dawn to dusk, doing what needs to be done on farms.
Farmers, who can spend much time alone on the job, can also “overthink”. Unlike many other Australian workplaces, they don’t have an immediate, daily peer group to converse with, and those that struggle financially, which are many, may feel isolated and without hope.
“It honestly warms my heart to see how many of you read it and said, “Yeah. This matters.” But not everyone felt that way,” she said. “Most responses were full of compassion. But a small group demanded proof, questioned my intent, and accused me of pushing an agenda.
“So let me be clear, yes, I have an online business and yes I make money using my social media account, but no, that doesn’t disqualify me from caring. It sure as hell doesn’t mean I lose the right to speak on what matters.
“And I’m definitely not “using this” for clicks or followers. In fact, it made me pull back from even running my business on here, not because I was doing anything wrong but because of the judgement, the harassment, the people twisting it into: “She’s just using this to make money”.”
Cairns News supports Ms Westbury’s call for this matter to be addressed. We include below a list of crisis lines that people can call for help. We also suggest that a payment strike be imposed until the State Government sees reason and takes some drastic steps to cut its expenditure and debt.
Ms Westbury continued: “If your first reaction was to attack me, question my character, or discredit what I shared, all because I didn’t include a link, you’re not exposing me … you’re revealing yourself.
“Take a look at your own intentions and morals. Better yet take a drive this weekend. Look around. Bare dirtm empty dams, hungry animals, communities hanging on by a thread.
“This is so much more than a number because this isn’t just a rural issue, this will affect every single one of us – the food we eat, the prices we pay, the economy we rely on.”
Ms Wesbury is right. This is a national crisis, and the fire services tax is a brazen assault by a state government on the very soul and lifeblood of Australia, and it must stop now.
Ms Westbury invited her followers to sign the petition to demand change here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/…/emergency…/…
She also says if you or someone you know or love is struggling, don’t let them do it alone. Reach out to someone or the following organisations:
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Rural Aid – 1300 327 624 ruralaid.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au
Open Arms (Veterans & Families) – 1800 011 046 openarms.gov.au
