Have your say on farm trespass laws

Gippsland’s Nationals MPs are encouraging community members to have their say to help fix farm trespass laws, with a parliamentary inquiry into the issue now taking public submissions.

The inquiry will help determine the best ways to strengthen laws to protect Victorian farmers against farm trespass, following the alarming action of brazen extreme activists who have been illegally entering farms and stealing livestock.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien and Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath have been lobbying for many months to ensure the inquiry came to fruition.

Ms Bath said she moved to establish the inquiry to make sure regional communities, including people living in Gippsland, could have their say.

“Farm trespass and livestock theft has been a pertinent topic in Gippsland, with our farmers publicly targeted by animal activists,” said Ms Bath.

“No-one should have to face the heart-breaking decision of closing down their business, as we saw at Yarragon’s Gippy Goat Café, because of the stress of constant harassment and intimidation.”

Mr O’Brien said farmers deserved laws that protect them against activists illegally coming on to their farms and stealing livestock.

“It’s clear the laws need fixing when lawbreaking activists get fines of just $1 – it’s just a slap on the wrist that only emboldens illegal activists, instead of deterring them,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr Bull said The Nationals stood with Gippsland farmers and rural communities, and this inquiry was a first step forward to deliver the change our communities are demanding.

“It is important that our Gippsland farmers’ voices are heard and they have the opportunity to detail the fear, harassment and intimidation the agriculture industry has faced,” said Mr Bull.

The Nationals also also requested the committee ensure public hearings are held in Gippsland and other rural communities, not just at Parliament House in Melbourne.

Written submissions will be accepted until August 2. The Inquiry will deliver its final report by November 28.