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Primary Industries Must Be Protected From ExtremistsThe Liberal Party has urged the Bracks Government to make urgent amendments to the Crimes Act which currently allows animal rights activists to escape the law unscathed when sabotaging businesses. By Philip Davis - 22nd July 2005 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis has raised the issue with Attorney General Rob Hulls in Parliament and made representations to him and the Minister for Agriculture Bob Cameron asking the legal loop-hole currently protecting animal liberationists from conviction for causing economic loss be rectified.
Mr Davis said an animal liberation activist pleaded not guilty and on May 6 this year was acquitted from a charge of intentionally causing economic harm by contaminating the feed of sheep intended for live export overseas.
The activist was acquitted by a jury because he argued his intention was to raise public awareness, not to cause economic loss.
Mr Davis said despite the acquittal putting Victorian live exports in jeopardy, the Bracks Government had done nothing to address the situation.
He also urged Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron to take an interest in this issue, rather than hiding away as he has done on so many other important issues affecting Victoria’s farmers.
"The future of Victoria’s primary industries and livestock export industry relies on this loop-hole being closed," Mr Davis said.
"Despite being acquitted of his intent to cause financial loss, this man’s action of contaminating the feed lots actually caused a loss of $1.3 million.
"Who is expected to foot the bill?
"In our democratic system, we defend the right of people to raise public awareness about issues by protesting, but it is not an acceptable form of protest to be interfering with private trade or business.
"Given that an apparent risk exists and that it may encourage other animal extremists, I have again asked the Attorney General to amend the law to protect Victoria’s exporters, farmers and business."
Mr Davis said it was appalling animal liberation extremists were not held accountable for any loss associated with their actions of sabotaging Victorian businesses.
"Bob Cameron must work with Rob Hulls to rectify this issue for the sake of our agricultural industry," he said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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