Farmer Refuses to Resign Over Social Media Posts

0:00In Sydney, it's March 2nd. Here's what is happening. The National Farmers Federation's Vice President, John Hassel, has refused to step down, despite calls from the board over some controversial social, media posts. Hassel, a farmer from Pingalee in Western Australia, was recently re-elected to the role last October after leading the State Farmers Group. Federation President Hamish McIntyre described the post as unacceptable and asked Hassel to reconsider his position. The trouble started on February 11th when Hassel commented on a video highlighting sexual harassment faced by women in agriculture. The video referenced a 2021 study from the University of New England, which found two-thirds of female world workers had experienced. Harassment. Hassel simply asked for the source data and noted past studies had flaws. McIntyre told reporters the board was disappointed because the comments did not match their code of ethics. He spoke to Hassel right away and suggested closing his accounts, but Hassel sees it as a witch hunt with no proper process. Other farming leaders jumped in,

1:04sharing more studies to back up the issue. Hassel deleted his ex-accounted first, but then reactivated it, saying he did not want to lose his content. He insists his post was just a question, not an attack, and feels bullied by the board's response. For now, the board lacks the power to force him out since he's elected by members. McIntyre plans to stay professional, but Hassel admits the backlash has made his job really challenging. Dean and his sponsor by our partner, check out the episode description. Your bedtime ritual just got better. Built in Sound, Built in Comfort, S-O-L-L-I,