Animal activist farm invasions: Vic Government urged to set up inquiry

THE Victorian Government has been urged to set up an inquiry to look into the effectiveness of the state’s laws protecting farmers from animal activist invasions.

Victorian law: Calls for legislation change come after The Weekly Times revealed an activist was fined just $1 for breaking biosecurity laws after stealing a goat.

THE Victorian Government has been urged to set up an inquiry to look into the effectiveness of the state’s laws protecting farmers from animal activist invasions.

It comes after The Weekly Times revealed last week an activist was fined just $1 for breaking biosecurity laws when the maximum penalty for the offences was $9671.40.

Nationals leader and Victorian opposition agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh said “enough is enough” and there was “palpable frustration among property owners and the broader livestock sectors that the current laws do not protect them, and penalties meted out do nothing to discourage activists from repeating illegal conduct”.

ACTIVIST FINED $1 FOR BIOSECURITY BREACH

In a letter to Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes, seen by The Weekly Times, Mr Walsh said he hoped she’d agree “that it is vital we find workable solutions that will allow Victoria’s farmers go about their businesses”.

Nationals Upper House MP Melina Bath will put forward a motion in Parliament this week calling for an inquiry but it is unlikely to be voted on for some weeks.

Mr Walsh told The Weekly Times the inquiry was necessary to have all the resources of Parliament ensuring “legislative change is made that actually makes sure animal activists who break the law are penalised sufficiently”.

ACTIVISTS SEEK DONATIONS TO STEAL

When asked whether he would like to see penalties similar to NSW, which can see individuals fined up to $220,000 for creating a biosecurity risk, Mr Walsh said he would prefer to see minimum penalties that ensure the courts deliver severe enough penalties and/or prison sentences.

While it would be up to the inquiry committee, Mr Walsh said it would be likely public hearings will be held allowing farmers to “voice their concerns before there is a major biosecurity issue”.

FARMER GOES UNDERCOVER AS ACTIVIST

Prior to the receiving the letter, Ms Symes had told The Weekly Times “changing the law is not necessarily the correct response”.

“I want to change the culture,” she said. “I don’t want it to be cool to be a vegan activist and interfere with biosecurity and people’s livelihoods and we need to call it out.

“I’m happy to have a look at all of our biosecurity offences but I think a $9000 fine for an individual penalty should be a deterrent.”

Ms Symes said penalties were a matter for the courts, but she would play a role in making sure the community were fully aware of the bio­security risks and penalties attached.