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Liberal push changes law to protect primary industryShadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis said today he was pleased the Liberal Party’s campaign to have legislation amended to protect businesses from economic loss by protesters has succeeded. By Philip Davis - 7th October 2005 - Back to News Mr Davis said Opposition parties, along with the Victorian Farmers Federation demanded this protection after an animal liberationist placed pig meat into the feed of 70,000 sheep held at a Portland feedlot which were bound for export to the Middle East.
It was estimated that losses caused by the contamination were in the order of $1.3 million.
The perpetrator was charged under Section 249 of the Crimes Act 1958 but was acquitted by a jury on 6 May 2005, because the defendant claimed it was not his intention to cause economic loss, but to raise public awareness of his concerns.
On 10 May 2005 the Liberal Party urged the Minister for Agriculture Bob Cameron to ensure immediate amendments were introduced into the Parliament to deal with this issue.
Mr Davis then followed it up with the Attorney-General in the Parliament on 17 May 2005.
"This acquittal was the result of a loophole in the way the law was interpreted, despite an absolute admission and a boast from the activist in regards to his actions," Mr Davis said.
"Interfering with private trade or business is not an acceptable form of protest.
"The Crimes Act was demonstrated to be deficient in dealing with this and similar cases, which inevitably would encourage other extremists to follow this example.
"Indirect losses were significant in that the action undermined confidence in the ability of business, exporters and primary producers to conduct their lawful business according to the law and to have protection of the law.
"I am pleased that this amendment has been prepared and the Bill has passed through both houses of Parliament in a little over four months, however the government has the capacity to respond much quicker – it should have only taken weeks, not months."
Mr Davis is concerned that Bob Cameron appears to have taken no role in this matter, despite the impact on primary producers and the extensive representations made to him.
His silence has been deafening.
"Bob Cameron has not even spoken on this Bill in the Parliament," Mr Davis said.
"Bob Cameron’s disinterest in his portfolio must now be an embarrassment to the government."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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