Times Are Tough When Even Bunnings Says No
Just when we thought it was tough enough in the country, things just got worse, with hardware giant, Bunnings, refusing to serve a farmer.
It comes at a time when red tape, rules, restrictions, lockdowns, QR Codes and lists of who are essential workers, are driving regional Victorians literally mad.
The Western Victorian farmer said Bunnings refused to serve him because he wasn’t a `tradie’ and didn’t have suitable Bunnings ‘trade cards’.
But Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, said farming is one of the oldest trades of all.
“Farmers are running a business. It is their trade.
“In fact, it’s an essential trade if Australians want to eat cereal and toast in the morning, or eggs and bacon, or an apple, or roast lamb for dinner or carrot soup. Even chickpeas.
“It’s hard to argue farmers are not the most essential trade of all. They must be allowed access to proper commerce,” Mrs McArthur said.
The Moriac farmer faced the Bunnings rejection when he went to his regular store for supplies after putting a `star picket through an underground pipe leaving various paddock troughs with no water.’
In an email to Mrs McArthur, the farmer said it’s a “prime example of why farmers should have access to Bunnings.”
The farmer was also rejected by Mitre 10 because he did not ‘have an account’.
“The farmer rang his local Geelong-based Bunnings store and was again told the store could not serve the ‘general public or farmers’.
“It’s madness and further contorts the unnecessary warp that is forced upon the Victorian community due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is a decision of Bunnings – but the company clearly feels the need to adopt severe rules to comply with Government mandates,” Mrs McArthur said.
This issue impacts farmers across the state. And while many may have access to smaller, local trade suppliers - the larger companies often provide capacity in emergency scenarios, and offer longer opening hours.
Refusing trade in such cases also exposes farmers to potential animal cruelty.
“This is a perfect example where the inability to access supplies puts a farmer into a position where animal welfare obligations are at stake.
“In this instance, it was the ability to provide water to stock. What could be more essential in the care of animals?
“City residents should be worried about this too. The farmers might be in the country, but their trade impacts us all.
“This Bunnings story is merely a mirror to the State of Fear that this Victorian Government has created,” Mrs McArthur said.
“We have officially been a State of Disaster.
“It is hard not to argue that status continues as legitimate and essential businesses, such as farms, struggle to operate because of the lockdown decisions of this ruthless Government.”
9 September 2021
