New laws against animal activists

Protecting farmers from animal activists

Andrew Wallace MP with Brian MacFarlane at his Obi View property

Tough new farm trespass laws to protect Australia’s farmers from the unlawful actions of animal activists have passed the Australian Parliament.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill showed Australia’s farmers that Australians were on their side.

“Militant animal activists have invaded farms across the country trespassing, threatening and harassing farming families,” Mr Wallace said.

“This Bill makes it a criminal offence to publish material via a carriage service like the internet if you intend to incite trespass, property damage or theft on agricultural land.

“Animal activists who use the personal information of family farmers to incite trespass risk imprisonment of up to five years.

“The Morrison McCormack government is serious about deterring those who want to disrupt and intimidate our farmers, fishers and foresters in their homes and on their properties.”

Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said Australians expected the farmers “who feed and clothe us – and many millions around the world – should not be harassed, or worse, as they go about their work”.

“The time has come for activists to understand that they can’t just descend on someone’s home and place of work, interfere with their business and steal their animals,” Ms McKenzie said.

“We’re not banning protests — we’re banning militant animal activists from inciting others to break the law.”

The government amended the Bill to include wood processing facilities. The Bill will be presented for Royal Assent through the regular process.