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Andrews Labor government and Greens block 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 - 10th 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.

Mr Walsh said the State Nationals and Liberals did not believe changes proposed by the Victorian Labor Government go far enough to protect farmers and their families

Seeking the support

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 said.

Failing to strengthen trespass laws

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," Mr Walsh 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 concluded.

Pictures from Wikidata.org website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Join South Gippsland Shire '16 Days of Activism' event with the theme 'Walk Against Family Violence' on
  Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
  Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• 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.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.