The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has today welcomed the passage of legislation to introduce on-the-spot-fines to better protect farmers from the illegal activities of animal activists.
VFF President Emma Germano said that three years after the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture, the welcome passing of the legislation has been a long time coming.
“The VFF worked with parliamentarians back in 2018 to get the Inquiry off the ground at a time when we were faced with an unacceptable situation where animal activists were getting off virtually scot-free. This is a big step in providing better protection for farmers from law-breaking animal activists,” Ms Germano said.
In order for the on-the-spot fines to be applicable, farmers will need to implement a biosecurity management plan.
The VFF will work with Agriculture Victoria to assist farmers to put these plans in place.
“At a time when we are dealing with significant human and animal biosecurity outbreaks, our rigorous farm biosecurity systems have never been more important.”
“The biosecurity management plans will not only protect farmers from unacceptable harassment by animal activists, but also from potential biosecurity breaches,” Ms Germano said.
The VFF acknowledges the work of Melina Bath MLC since the inception of the Inquiry and Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas in supporting the legislation through the Parliament.