Australia to get tough on animal activists

Attorney-General Christian Porter last week announced a new law to deal with the threat posed by animal activist groups like Aussie Farms, which publishes an interactive map with the locations of hundreds of rural properties countrywide including livestock farms, meat works and dairy factories.

The government, facing an uphill battle for re-election next month, has pledged to create a new offence with up to 12 months jail time for people who use a carriage service, such as the internet, to disclose personal information and incite others to trespass on farmland and livestock facilities.

“We have seen with Aussie Farms the malicious use of personal information, including farmers’ names, addresses and workplaces, designed specifically to encourage others to trespass on properties and damage businesses,” Porter said.

Deputy Prime Minister and National’s leader Michael McCormack pledged the Federal Coalition would introduce the legislation if they formed government after the election.

McCormack said militant activists should be punished with jail time. “They tie themselves to milking machines, tractors and other farm equipment but... they should actually be locked up for a good time to serve as a lesson to others not to do the same thing.”