The NSW Farmers Association has welcomed swift action by the Coalition Government to protect farmers from criminal activists.
The Morrison Government introduced legislation to create a new offence to hold animal activists to account.
‘‘Farmers have been terrorised by the criminal actions this year, with their farms being invaded and safety of their animals, families and employees jeopardised,’’ NSW Farmers president James Jackson said.
‘‘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.
Mr Jackson said state and territory governments must also act decisively and strengthen farm trespass laws to ensure farmers can feel safe.