Farm trespass inquiry fails farmers

State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish supports the right for farming communities and livelihoods to be safe and secure from extreme animal welfare activists.

The final report by a cross-party parliamentary committee Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture has been released and failed to assure our farming community.

Ms McLeish states, “This inquiry was a genuine opportunity to deliver the change rural and regional communities have been demanding and deserve.”

“But instead of backing our farmers, Labor MPs sided with those who want to push their extreme anti-agricultural agenda on Victorian livestock producers.”

Disappointingly, the report supported the rights of activists by giving them a ‘get out of jail free’ card. It also made recommendations that threaten current practices in livestock industries and move to tie producers up in more red tape.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our community and economy. Hard working farmers and their families deserve to feel safe and have their livelihood protected,” Ms McLeish continues.

“Extreme animal welfare activists increase biosecurity risks, economic impact and scare famers and their families when they trespass and invade property.”

“The level of misinformation spread by activists is concerning and needs to stop,” Ms McLeish concludes.

The cross-party inquiry report was established after calls from farmers expressing the need for increased protection for farm communities against a worsening militant campaign of trespass and livestock theft.

The report highlighted four key findings; animal welfare standards in Victoria are very high, strong support for farmers operating businesses lawfully, animal rights activists spread misinformation and illegal activism poses biosecurity risk.