The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the State Parliament’s bipartisan recognition for the need to increase and effectively implement punishments for animal activists trespassing on farmers’ properties.
This comes after fines for risking on-farm biosecurity came into force in Queensland last week and the introduction of a Private Members Bill by the State Opposition proposing three new criminal offences today.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said action from government has been a long time coming for the sector – too long for those farmers who have already been targeted by animal activists.
“The radical and unjustified actions we have seen from animal activists invade farmers’ privacy, threaten the welfare of their animals, pose unacceptable risks to their businesses and have implications for food security,” Mr Armitage said.
“QFF and member industries have been constructively working with the Queensland Government and Opposition for some time to better address this issue.”
“It is incumbent upon the Parliament to ensure it works together to deliver adequate protections for Queenslanders running businesses without the threat of this disruptive, costly and damaging unlawful behaviour from a minority element in the community.”