FARM INVASIONS ARE HOME INVASIONS
Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur criticised the final report produced by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee following the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture, when it was tabled in Parliament this week.
Mrs McArthur submitted a minority report in conjunction with Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath MP and Member for Western Metro, Bernie Finn MP, to oppose recommendations formulated by the committee which inadequately condemned the illegal activities of animal activists, failed to protect farmers or insinuated widespread misbehaviour by agricultural businesses.
Bev McArthur said “During the inquiry, we heard extraordinarily distressing evidence from many farmers who had their lives and businesses disrupted by threatening invasions, sometimes by activists in balaclavas.”
“To farmers, their farms are their homes, and it is inconceivable to believe anyone has the right to invade anyone’s private space, including their business which is their farm.”
“The report does not adequately deal with the issue that we were asked to address, and consequently it was important that we produced a minority report to clearly put the case on behalf of farmers.”
"Western Victoria Region is home to some of the most productive farmers and agri-businesses in Australia. Our efficient operators feed the cities and export to the world. They need applause not criticism. And they don’t need to have invasion and theft treated as irrelevant by the handing down of $1 fines."
“It is inconceivable that farmers can be disrupted by activists whose real agenda Is to end the animal meat and fiber industry,” she concluded.
7 February 2020