increase font size
The Australian government is promising tougher sanctions against 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.”
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.
More Australian states are embracing virtual fencing technology, opening growth opportunities for Kiwi companies like Halter.
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.
Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
