Press Release

The Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association (PGA) has paid tribute to WA Senator Judith Adams who passed away last Saturday after a long battle with cancer.

PGA President Rob Gillam said Senator Adams was a tireless champion for the people of rural Western Australia and would be greatly missed.

“From the moment she first stepped into the Senate, Judith never stopped being the voice for the people, families and communities of regional WA,” PGA President Rob Gillam said.

“It did not matter whether you were Liberal, Labor, National or Greens, if you had Judith in your corner, you had a formidable ally.”

“Judith was a staunch advocate for progress and development in Western Australia, especially in agriculture.  She was a leader in the deregulation of the wheat industry and a strong supporter of the live export trade.’

“The PGA was fortunate to have Judith as one of our key speakers at our producer’s forum in Katanning last year and her regular discussions with our staff members will be greatly missed.”

“Our thoughts are with Judith’s family during this time.”

PGA Executive member and former Western Grain Growers Chairman Gary McGill said Senator Adams’ contribution to the reform of Wheat Export marketing would be her great legacy.

“Judith was one of those rare politicians who understood what the major issues affecting WA grain growers were and her high principles ensured that the interests of West Australian grain growers were foremost on the political agenda,” Mr McGill said.

“It is due to the tireless efforts of Judith, who was often standing alone on this issue, that the reforms which eliminated the single desk marketing of wheat and allowed growers to finally have control over their own destiny were initiated.”

“She will be greatly missed.”