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Farm Tresspass Inquiry

Law-breaking activities on farm businesses.

By Portal Admin - 5th August 2019 - Back to News

The illegal and intimidating actions of law-breaking activists are closing down farm businesses and forcing hard-working farm families off the land.

Yarragon’s popular Gippy Goat Café closed its doors after multiple break-ins, livestock theft and constant harassment.

And in recent weeks, a free-range poultry farmer revealed their family had "lost the love of farming" and sold up after two traumatic invasions last year that resulted in the death of 300 chickens and significant property damage.

These are just two of many stories of how the illegal actions of activists are hurting our agriculture sector and leaving farming families feeling unsafe in their own home.

Our farmers urgently need your support.

There’s just days left to have your say by making a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry that’s tasked with fixing Victoria’s farm trespass laws.

The inquiry is the first step to better protecting our farmers, their family and the biosecurity of our farm businesses.

Farmers deserve to feel safe at work and in their homes, but that’s not been the case while lawbreaking activists feel they can break-in and steal livestock, only to get a $1 fine.

The Federal Liberal Nationals Government has taken positive steps to strengthen privacy law by moving to impose hefty penalties on anyone found guilty of using a carriage service to incite farm trespass.

The changes signal a strong message that anyone encouraging others to break onto family farms and steal livestock is risking jail time.

At the state level, Victorians farmers and farm communities are also demanding strong action.

The Victorian parliamentary inquiry, established after ongoing pressure from regional communities and The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, is an opportunity to deliver the change our communities are calling for.

Public submissions are a critical piece of evidence that will inform the Committee’s final report.

The Nationals stand with our farm families and regional communities against the invasive and illegal actions of law-breaking activists. If you do too, I urge you to contribute to the inquiry before submissions close on August 2.

Our farmers urgently need your support.

Have your say now and help to shape stronger laws that better protect our farmers and their families for the future.

Visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic-lc/article/4202 to make a submission to the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com