Opposition calls for stronger trespassing penalties

The Victorian Coalition has accused the State Government of stalling in response to calls to modify farm-trespass laws amid animal-activist protests.

Nationals leader Peter Walsh said this was despite ‘Victorian farmers and farm businesses still being relentlessly targeted by extreme activists’.

Mr Walsh said federal and Queensland governments had announced strong penalties in the past week to prevent activists from targeting farms, but the Victorian Government had failed to move.

He said stronger laws to protect people against law-breaking activists who trespassed on and stole animals from farm should be a government priority.

“Victorian farmers, farm businesses and people in our regional communities are absolutely furious at the constant break-ins, theft and harassment we’re seeing from law-breaking extremists,” he said.

“The Liberal Nationals have proposed a Parliamentary Inquiry to examine this whole issue and fix farm trespass laws.

“A parliamentary inquiry will give our farmers and industry stakeholders the chance to get through to government just how disruptive these lawbreakers are and help us identify the best way to bolster laws so that farmers can get on with business.

“It has been five weeks since I wrote to the Agriculture Minister and so far she has not responded to my letter, but has instead told media she would like to speak to us further about possible terms.

“I would welcome that conversation and am ready and waiting for the call.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath lodged the motion to establish the farm-trespass inquiry in the Legislative Council.