A two-year battle to enhance the protection of farmers’ private property from radical animal activists has been won, following the recent passage of the Biosecurity Legislation Amendment (Incident Response) Bill 2024.
Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull said it was the Nationals who pushed the Bill through Parliament, pressuring the Government “every step of the way” to adopt the 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.
“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,” Mr Bull said.
“Despite this, the Labor Government initially ignored our recommendation of harsher penalties for individuals trespassing on, and causing damage to, producers’ 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.
“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.”
Mr Bull criticised what he called 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 prior,” Mr Bull said.
He said despite the recent win, the fight was 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,” Mr Bull said.
“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.”
