Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Liberal push changes law to protect primary industry

Shadow 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

• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
  Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.