September 12, 2019
Legislation to impose tough new farm trespass laws was passed by both Houses of Federal Parliament on Thursday.
Attorney-General Christian Porter and Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said the successful passage of the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill was an important safety measure for Australian farmers.
The Bill establishes the new offences of incitement of trespass, property damage, or theft on agricultural land.
Wood processing facilities are also covered by the Bill.
Minister McKenzie said the Bill reflected the Australian community’s expectations that farmers and their families should be safe from harassment in their businesses and their homes.
“This Bill criminalises the action of publishing material, via a carriage service, with the intention of inciting trespass, property damage or theft on agricultural land,” she said.
“It sends a clear message to animal activists that if you use the personal information of family farmers to incite trespass then you will be risking imprisonment of up to five years.
“When protests become acts of trespass and theft, you’re not a protester, you’re a criminal and deserve to be punished.”
Great stuff, about time. Only hope that the law actually use this new Bill and give these trespassing activists the full extent of the law and not a piddly little fine and slap on the wrist! If farmers protested and stormed the house of an activist, what do you think would happen?