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Agriculture | September 10, 2019

Horsham hearing on animal rights activism

A public hearing will be held in Horsham on Wednesday, 18 September for the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of animal rights activism on Victorian agriculture.

The Legislative Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee is investigating the effectiveness of legislation and other measures to prevent and deter activities by unauthorised persons on agricultural and associated industries.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said she was pleased her vocal advocacy for a public hearing in Horsham had been heard.

Ms Kealy said she was also pleased to see that a number of submissions have come from the Wimmera as they will provide locally relevant evidence to inform the Committee’s final recommendation.

“Our farmers don’t have the luxury of being able to simply drop everything to travel to a hearing held in Melbourne,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is important that local residents have the opportunity to speak to their submissions which is why I lobbied the Committee to hold a hearing in Horsham.

“The Nationals stand with our farmers and rural communities and this hearing is a welcome opportunity to deliver the views of our local community.

“Our farmers deserve to be safe at work and in their homes, but that’s not been the case while law-breaking activists feel they can invade farms and steal livestock, only to get a slap on the wrist.

“Farmers and farm businesses need appropriate protection from these activists.

“I encourage all interested members of the public to attend the hearing which will be held in the Conference Room at the Horsham International Hotel, 118 Baillie Street, Horsham commencing at 10.00am.”

The Committee will provide its final report to Parliament by 28 November 2019.