Farm trespass law delays questioned

THE state government has delayed debate of ‘on-the-spot’ fine legislation, relegating it down the priority list for the upper house of state parliament, according to The Nationals.

The Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021 passed the lower house two weeks ago, however, the legislation wasn’t listed for debate last week.

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said Labor’s ongoing delays on strengthening farm trespass laws were completely unacceptable.

“After two years of stalling by the Andrews government, the only acceptable delay in finalising ‘on-the-spot’ fines legislation would be if Labor decided to incorporate The Nationals’ and Liberals’ amendments,” she said.

On-the-spot fines for farm trespass and biosecurity breaches were recommended at the conclusion of the state government Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture in 2020.

Last sitting week, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh, moved to amend the legislation to extend farmer protections to include river frontage leased land and deter invasions by doubling the maximum fine.

The amendments were rejected by Labor.

In November 2021, the Victoria Farmers Federation (VFF) said the delays to farm trespass had gone on far too long, with VFF president Emma Germano labelling it “a lack of respect”.