Forestry industry keen for greater protection against activists
Forestry bodies are hoping for greater protection against activists from the Federal Government’s Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill.
The agricultural sector has dominated headlines with activist issues in recent years, but the forestry industry is also hoping for greater protection from the Federal Government’s Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill.
The bill, which was introduced in early July, followed growing instances of illegal invasion of farming properties and introduces serious criminal penalties including up to five years jail. It is still before parliament.
Australian Forest Products Association chief executive Ross Hampton, pictured, said the scope of the proposed Federal laws should be broadened to include necessary protections for processors of forest products.
“The bill currently covers forestry operations on private land only. Many of the activist issues occur on public land, which means the states need to play a significant role,” Mr Hampton said.
“The proposed Federal laws should also cover forest product processing facilities, like timber mills, just as meat processing facilities like abattoirs are already covered.”
Australian Forest Contractors Association general manager Stacey Gardiner said both forestry and farming industries have borne the brunt of disruptive activist behaviour.
“It needs to stop, and these latest proposed Federal laws are both recognition and an opportunity to work towards that end,” she said.