Swift action on farm invaders

NSW Farmers welcomes swift action by the Coalition Government to protect farmers from criminal activists.

The Morrison Government has today introduced legislation to create a new offence to hold animal activists to account. 

NSW Farmers President James Jackson welcomed the strong and quick response to protect farmers.

“Farmers have been terrorised by the criminal actions this year, with their farms being invaded and safety of their animals, families and employees jeopardised,” Mr Jackson said. 

“The Government has shown decisive and fast action to ensure any further criminal actions are appropriately penalised. “

“Our farming families provide the community with essential food and fibre, and are the life blood of our regional communities”

The Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill aims to criminalise the use of a carriage service with the intention of inciting another person to trespass to commit other property offences on agricultural Land. 

The new offence comes with penalties of up to five years imprisonment, and follows Government moves to prescribe activist group Aussie Farms under the Privacy Act – exposing it to potential penalties of up to $2.1 million. 

“This bill directly addresses the wrongful use of private information published on the Aussie Farms map, which provided address details of farms and encouraged activists to trespass, causing enormous stress and anxiety for farming families.”

Mr Jackson said state and territory governments must also act decisively and strengthen farm trespass laws to ensure farmers can feel safe.

“We need a strong and national consistent approach to ensure all farmers have equal protection.”

“These protections are desperately needed. Every day without action leaves our farmers and their regional communities vulnerable to these criminals.”

“The Commonwealth Government has today shown real leadership. It is critical that this legislation deliver real results before the end of the year.”
  
Date: Thursday 4 July 2019
Media Contact:  Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988 | [email protected]