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Liberals and Nationals move changes for better protections against farm trespass in Victoria

Farmers won't be better protected against illegal and traumatic farm trespass crime unless amendments to on-the-spot fine laws are passed in the Victorian Parliament.

By news@gippsland - 8th February 2022 - Back to News

Today, Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh will introduce amendments to the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021 to fix problems in the draft legislation that will see farmer's river frontage land excluded from protection by the laws. The amendments will also better deter illegal actions by doubling the maximum fine for individuals, bringing Victoria in line with other states that have the nation's highest penalties.

This figure sends a very strong message to anyone, or any organisation seeking to interfere with farm operations that it will not be tolerated

Flaws in farm trespass laws

Mr Walsh said, "We don't believe Labor's changes go far enough, which is why the Liberals and Nationals are seeking the support of all Labor MPs to pass these amendments that will better protect farmers and their families."

"Parliament's farm trespass inquiry, spearheaded by The Nationals' Melina Bath, exposed serious flaws in farm trespass laws. In the worst case, an activist who illegally entered a farm, stealing livestock and threatening biosecurity, was fined just $1."

"Having a crowd of extreme activists swarming onto your family farm is a terrifying experience - for farm families and for livestock - but Labor's penalties won't be a sufficient deterrent unless they're increased." Mr Walsh continued.

Minor changes for farm protection

Labor's Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas waited until the last parliamentary sitting week of 2021 to introduce the poorly drafted - and long overdue - legislation. At the time, the minister trumpeted the heavy fines but the detail of the Bill reveals that although on-the-spot fines will be introduced, the maximum fine is actually among the lowest in the nation.

And farmers with river frontage land will have that part of their farm excluded under Labor's flawed Bill, with the Liberals and Nationals also proposing minor changes that will mean all their farm is protected. Labor can't have it both ways - either it stands with Victorian farmers, or it stands with the extreme activists who are breaking the law and threatening the safety of our farm families.

Failing to strengthen farm trespass laws

Mr Walsh also said, "Why should the penalties in Victoria be significantly less than other states? And why should farmers have their river frontage land excluded? The Agriculture Minister owes it to Victorian farmers to make sure her Labor colleagues support the Liberals' and Nationals' amendments."

"Failing to strengthen farm trespass laws will send the wrong message to extreme activists who will go to any lengths to destroy the livelihood of hard-working Victorian farm families." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Mayor Jodie Ashworth welcomes parts of the Victorian Budget but says East Gippsland remains underfunded, calling for stronger long-term investment in key regional infrastructure priorities.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• Melina Bath warns diesel crisis threatens regional Victoria, urging Allan government to prioritise agriculture, transport and food
  Melina Bath warned regional Victoria faces a diesel crisis, urging the Allan government to prioritise fuel for farms, transport, and households to protect food supply and regional economic stability.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Camp Woolamai chosen as finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards with voting open until 26 June 2026
  Cape Woolamai is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging locals and visitors to vote, recognising the town’s outstanding visitor experiences and tourism commitment.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• East Gippsland hotels and publicans recognised as finalists in 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence across multiple categories
  East Gippsland hotels and staff are finalists in the 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards, recognising community spirit, hospitality excellence and local contributions across multiple categories.