News
www.gippslandtimes.com.au
Still no on-the-spot fines for farm trespass
Free police property security audit
Sarah Luke PROPOSED on-the-spot fines for those who trespass on Victorian farms could still be a year away from coming into effect. After a spate of incidents where activists broke into farms across the country a few years ago, resulting in stolen livestock and significant biosecurity risks, a parliamentary inquiry into farm trespass produced a report in May 2020 with several recommendations. The following month, the state government committed to introducing hefty on-the-spot fines for biosecurity breaches on Victorian farms, describing them as “among the heaviest in Australia”. However, since the announcement, there seems to be little movement on the ground, and with fines yet to be implemented, opponents have begun questioning the government’s “lack of progress”. The topic was recently reared during state parliament’s question time, when Eastern Victoria MLC Melina Bath asked when the proposed on-the-spot fines would be implemented. “It has been almost three years since 70 activists stormed and invaded John Gommans’s Yarragon goat farm, greatly distressing his staff and stealing his livestock,” Ms Bath said. “It has been almost two years since the Economy and Infrastructure Committee presented to this parliament and to government the inquiry report, one that I moved in this house, with a recommendation calling for on-the-spot fines for activists that invade farms and compromise biosecurity and livestock. “Minister, no Victorian deserves to be intimidated or threatened. “When will you implement recommendation five of this said report?” Ms Bath asked. Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh was quick to echo the call, adding the “lack of progress” left “farmers and their families exposed to theft and people illegally entering their property”. “The Agriculture Minister bizarrely tried to claim today that the delay doesn’t matter because farmers are protected by existing laws — but flaws in existing legislation are exactly why these reforms are needed,” Mr Walsh said. “When current laws see criminal actions by extreme animal activists resulting in a fine of just $1, it’s clear the system isn’t deterring illegal trespass or protecting hard-working, law-abiding farm families. “Other states have already done the work to draft, introduce and pass legislation for on-the-spot fines,” Mr Walsh said, referring to New South Wales (fines of $1000), South Australia ($1875) and Queensland ($600), which all implemented their respective fines in 2019. “Farming is fundamental to our regional, state and national economy, and supporting the agriculture industry must be a priority, but the minister’s lack of action shows Labor’s priorities are all wrong,” Mr Walsh said. Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas told the Gippsland Times Mr Walsh was “simply wrong”. “Significant work has taken place this year to engage with industry and develop legislation, and I look forward to having more to say about these reforms soon,” she said.
The state government says significant work has been underway this year as it consulted with industry to develop new biosecurity legislation surrounding farm trespass, but on-the-spot fines likely won’t be in place until mid to late next year.
WITH Christmas holidays approaching, local police are reminding Wellington Shire residents to review the security of their homes and vehicles — whether home or away this Christmas. Crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell, based at Sale police station, is trained in crime prevention through environmental design. Leading Senior Constable Kell can inspect businesses or residential addresses, and give comprehensive advice and recommendations on how to minimise the chance of property being a soft crime target. This is a free service offered by Victoria Police. Anyone who would like Leading Senior Constable Kell to attend and conduct a security audit at their address should phone Sale police station on 5142 2200. People should always remember to prevent themselves becoming an easy target by locking all doors and windows, even when they’re at home, storing car keys and valuables out of view and never hiding spare keys in the car or property. Victoria Police has several crime prevention tips that can be found via www.police.vic.gov.au/
Ms Thomas’ office said despite challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, development of legislative amendments to deter animal activists remained on track. Subject to parliamentary processes, the government anticipates the new framework will be in place by mid to late 2022. The minister’s office confirmed Agriculture Victoria had this year consulted with key stakeholders, including the Victorian Farmers Federation, on proposed legislative changes, which will create a new biosecurity offence relating to trespass on private land. The feedback will inform how the legislative changes will operate with different types of production systems and existing biosecurity requirements. Seventeen months ago, the Victorian government supported the inquiry into the Impact of Animal Activism on Victorian Agriculture, undertaken by the Legislative Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee. The inquiry made 15 recommendations, of which the government supported 13 in full, and one in principal. The one recommendation the government rejected would have provided “public interest exemptions” to animal activists carrying out “surveillance” on farms. A new biosecurity offence will be created as a result of the inquiry, requiring any person entering a livestock premises to adhere to the property’s biosecurity management plan. Those who fail to comply will receive an on-thespot fine. There is no requirement for the property’s owners to explain the biosecurity management plan to those trespassing. The Victorian government maintains it supports the agricultural sector to undertake its work free from unlawful interference, and condemns illegal behaviour by animal activist groups. Illegal activities, including trespassing on farms
in the name of animal activism, are unacceptable and put farming families, biosecurity and the health and welfare of animals at risk, according to the government. Following an investigation, the group Aussie Farms, which was behind an online map sharing the details of thousands of Australian farmers, had its charity status revoked by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission in 2019. The group has since renamed itself the Farm Transparency Project.
home-and-property
Do you have news?
Email news@gippslandtimes.com.au
BER, 2021
26th NOVEM
Spoiill your ffuurrrry ith..... iends wit ffrrie
rated Locallyy owned and ope
Ph: 5143 3238 Shop 81 Maca arth thur Street, Sale
GP1634561
toys Christmas gs kin Doggy stoc Edibslecards Christma & so omreuch m
Times-Spectator, Tuesday, 23 November, 2021 – Page 7
