Tuesday, 16 April 2019 09:16

Australia to get tough on animal activists

Written by 

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.”

More like this

NZ vs Aussie beef

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.

Oz farmers' election wishlist

Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.

Featured

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter