Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Melina Bath MP

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 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
  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.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  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 urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government, calling Myki's delayed tap-and-go rollout a "mythical unicorn," outdated and incompatible
  Victoria's long-promised tap-and-go public transport system has been delayed until 2028, leaving commuters, especially in regional areas, still reliant on outdated Myki cards and paper tickets
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
  Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.