By Mitchell Clarke
Break-ins and shutdowns by animal activists will become a thing of the past if Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has her way.
The recent spate of vegan activism across Victoria has caused “extreme concern” for farmers and their communities.
Recent cases of activists “storming properties” and “stealing livestock” at farms including the Gippy Goat Cafe in Yarragon, VLE in Pakenham, and at Caldermeade Farm and Cafe has become a focus point for inquiry.
Ms Bath has secured a commitment for regional hearings to be conducted during the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Activism on Victoria agriculture.
“Businesses and farms in regional Victoria have been greatly affected by this issue and needed the opportunity to participate locally,” Ms Bath said.
“I am pleased that the Chair has acknowledged it is important to listen to regional farming communities locally.
“I believe you need to take these inquiries into rural areas from Mornington Peninsula to Gippsland.”
This comes following incidents across the state including the Gippy Goat Cafe in Yarragon earlier this year where a group of animal activists walked into the facility and removed injured livestock.
Ms Bath claims that the punishment of a $1 dollar fine for the theft of livestock made a “mockery” of the victims and the police force involved.
“The issue around the penalties really spurred me around,” Ms Bath said.
“I think the increased prevalence and vigilante style of the activists means they are not going to go away, I think they are spurred on by a slap on the wrist.
“My focus is that this inquiry will come up with strengthened trespass laws. Broadening the scope of the Inquiry beyond the Melbourne CBD will strengthen the consideration and ensure the views and experiences of regional Victorians are captured.”
Ms Bath says she has spoken to many farmers and industry bodies who are very happy with the motion of these recommendations to government.
Western Victoria Region MP Andy Meddick is also set to appear in these motions, providing a voice on behalf of the animals and activists.
“I completely understand why activists do the work they do, because they feel compelled to after witnessing some of the things they have seen within the farming community,” Mr Meddick said.
“This is historic in Australia. Change only comes because of the work of whistle-blowers.
“Any inquiry should take news from both sides, otherwise you’re just whitewashing a scenario, and you need to have both sides of the argument so you can have a balanced and true indication as to what is occurring in the community.”
“If we are going to change the conditions and lives of animals, we need to do it in a legal framework – and that is legislation.”
Mr Meddick welcomes the idea of sitting down with Ms Bath to discuss this motion.
“People are people at the end of the day. There is always some common ground. I don’t see why farmers and activists couldn’t find a common ground, even if it is to just agree to disagree.”
In the meantime, anyone who may hold concerns for the welfare of livestock on Victorian farms should state their case with council, RSPCA or Agriculture Victoria.
Ms Bath said that Victorian Government compliance officers will attend to farms spontaneously and unannounced to do checks on animal welfare.
The committee will arrive at a number of recommendations to find direction for government.
The inquiry will begin at the end of May while the report is due at the end of this year.
