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Penalties for trespass on agricultural lands are now doubled to protect farmers from animal activists

The Nationals, led by Gippsland East MP Tim Bull, succeeded in passing the Biosecurity Legislation Amendment Bill to protect farmers from animal activists, despite initial resistance from Labor.

By news@gippsland - 4th March 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals have won a two-year long battle to enhance the protection of farmers' private property from radical animal activists following the recent passage of the Biosecurity Legislation Amendment (Incident Response) Bill 2024. Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull says it was the Nationals who pushed this Bill through Parliament, pressuring the government every step of the way to adopt these measures that impose tougher penalties for trespassing on agricultural premises, effectively doubling them to a maximum of $23,077 for individuals and $115,386 for organisations.

Nationals State MP, Tim Bull, pictured at the Gippy Goat Cafe in 2019. The cafe face targeted animal activism attacks, ultimately leading to its closure later that year

Trespass law reform

Mr Bull said, "Two years ago, an Impact of Animal Activism Inquiry, led by The Nationals, revealed shortfalls in the existing trespass laws and revealed instances of justice system failures. Despite this, the Labor government initially ignored our recommendation of harsher penalties for individuals trespassing on, and causing damage to producer's homes and businesses."

Highlighting a previous incident only last year where 30 radical animal activists trespassed into a Benalla abattoir, chaining themselves to equipment in the facility to disrupt its normal operations, Mr Bull said it became obvious to all action needed to be taken, but still Labor refused to commit.

"When the Liberals and Nationals tried to introduce harsher penalties, Labor voted against it, only to feel the pressure and introduce the exact same amendments this year," said Mr Bull.

Animal rights activism

Mr Bull said, "The welfare of all animals is paramount, and Victoria has some of the most stringent animal welfare laws in the country. However, farmers and the agricultural industry will not be dictated to by radical animal activists, nor will they have trespassers enter their home or workplace illegally, simply to cause disruption and damage."

"We all have the choice to enjoy meat as a meal when it is produced in a safe and sustainable way. We do not need extreme animal activists attempting to bring our agriculture industry to a grinding halt," he said.

Labor's trespassing delay

Mr Bull criticised Labor's political games that left primary producers paying the price for Labor's inability to listen and act on the needs of the industry. "The two-year delay by Labor has meant justice denied for our hardworking farmers that were impacted by trespassing and damage to their premises," he said.

"Despite this recent win, the fight is not over. The next battle is to ensure Labor does not destroy our state's agricultural sector with their amendments to the Animal Care and Protection Bill, currently open for public submissions."

"With a history of questionable dealings between Labor and crossbench MPs, The Nationals will persist in our fight for strong animal welfare outcomes as well as the long-term viability of Victorian agriculture," Mr Bull said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com