Anti-activist parliament petition launched in wake of ‘Gippy Goat’ case
A PARLIAMENTARY petition to shut down the controversial Aussie Farms map and implement stronger trespass laws to protect farms against animal activist invasions has been launched.
A PARLIAMENTARY petition to shut down the controversial Aussie Farms map and implement stronger trespass laws to protect farms against animal activist invasions has been launched.
The petition by John Gommans, owner of Gippy Goat Cafe and farm, sponsored by Eastern Victoria state Nationals MP Melina Bath, comes after The Weekly Times last week revealed an activist was fined just $1 for breaking biosecurity laws after stealing livestock from Mr Gommans’ Gippsland farm.
Mr Gommans told The Weekly Times he was “disgusted” by the verdict.
ACTIVIST FINED $1 FOR BIOSECURITY BREACH
FARMERS FURIOUS OVER ACTIVISTS’ MAP
The “Shut down Aussie Farms website” petition has racked up nearly 1000 signatures in less than 24 hours.
The request is that Victoria’s Legislative Council, which is the upper house of parliament, call on the Government to revoke Aussie Farms charity status, shut down its website and implement stronger laws “to appropriately penalise trespassers”.
Ms Bath said significant interest from right across the country was evidence Mr Gommans’ experience resonated with people.
“To target law abiding, family orientated, welfare orientated businesses is just not on,” she said.
“This has nothing to do with what people are eating or how they chose to live their life.
“It’s when people’s protests turn from peaceful to an aggressive targeted act that impedes and affects law abiding farms.
“That’s why we need to stand up and provide additional protection for the farming community.”
FARMER GOES UNDERCOVER AS ACTIVIST
The petition is addition to a motion Ms Bath submitted on behalf of the Coalition this week, asking the Victorian Government to set up an inquiry to look into the effectiveness of the state’s laws protecting farmers from animal activist invasions.
It will be debated on in a few weeks time.
Ms Bath will table Mr Gommans’ petition after it closes in June.
The petition is available here.
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