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Melina Bath oppose Labor's Bill allowing forced access to farmland and heavy fines for landholders

The Nationals will oppose Labor's Bill allowing forced access to farmland, citing unacceptable fines and threats to farmers' rights, with a major protest planned at Parliament on 30 July 2025.

By news@gippsland - 21st July 2025 - Back to News

The Nationals have vowed to fight Labor's proposed legislation that will allow government officials and energy companies to enter private farmland without consent and fine landholders who object. Labor's National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill is set to be introduced to the state parliament next week.

Melina Bath slammed Labor's proposed laws as appalling, saying they trample farmers' rights and prioritise energy companies over agriculture, regional families, and food security

Defend property access

If successful, the Bill will deliver sweeping powers to VicGrid authorised officers to forcibly access private property, cut locks, break gates, and issue penalties for resistance to landowners. Under the Bill, regional landholders who deny and obstruct access to authorised officers could face fines up to $12,210.

Those refusing to provide identification or proof of ownership may attract penalties over $4,000, while interfering with notices of entry could incur fines of more than $1,200 for individuals and $49,000 for corporations.

Stand with farmers

The Nationals' Melina Bath said Labor's proposed new laws were appalling as they run roughshod over farmers who have been continually hit hard by the Allan government. "It is shocking that government officials and energy companies could be handed the power to break onto private farmland without permission or the right of objection. The needs of energy transmission companies should not be prioritised over our hardworking farmers, regional families, and food security."

"Primary producers are justifiably concerned - on Wednesday 30 July, metropolitan Melbourne will again see the fury of regional Victorians as farmers rally on the steps of state parliament against the Allan government proposed new law. The Nationals' priority is our farmers and regional communities, and we will be standing with our agriculture sector and opposing this deplorable Bill," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
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• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
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• Melina Bath says Labor ignores known issues, worsening bushfire risk, blocking access and harming communities
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• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
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• Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
  Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
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• Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
  The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
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• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
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• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
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• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
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• 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.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
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• Melina Bath urges Labor government to urgently resolve funding crisis threatening Gippsland disability independent living homes
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  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
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• Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
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• 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 invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
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