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February, 2021
Autumn
BULL SALES PREVIEW pages 17-25
THIS IS A FINE MESS By MICHELLE SLATER
A YARRAGON goat farmer at the centre of an animal activist invasion is calling on the state government to carry out a recommendation handed down from an inquiry into farm trespass. Gippy Goat Cafe owner John Gommans told Gippsland Farmer he was “disappointed” that the government has failed to introduce on-the-spot fines to stop animal activists breaking into farms and stealing livestock. It comes after more than a year after the inquiry report was handed down and six months since the state government agreed to the recommendation. “It’s definitely too late and extremely disappointing the government has been unable to follow through on its promises,” Mr Gommans said. “Since the inquiry was held and findings were released and promises were made, nothing’s happened. All in all, it’s a joke.” Mr Gommans fronted the inquiry after his
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“Farmers deserve to feel safe in their own homes, but Victoria’s weak farm trespass rules embolden extreme activists to break the law - instead of deterring them,” Ms Bath said. “Victorian farmers were expecting to see the Andrews Labor Government implement on-the-spot fines with the same urgency as New South Wales, but frustrating there has only been inaction.” Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas the state government was progressing several of the recommendations. “Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, including disruptions to the sitting of Parliament, several recommendations have progressed and further engagement across government and industry will take place this year,” Ms Thomas said. “This work takes time to make sure we get the balance right and it meets the needs of industry.”
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farm was invaded by radical vegan activists two years ago, stealing multiple animals from his property. He was forced to close his public onfarm cafe after the property was attacked multiple times by activists and subjected to sustained online abuse. Mr Gommans called on the new Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to “show some leadership” on the matter and “protect farmers from illegal activities”. The state government had agreed to carry out 13 of the 15 recommendations in a Parliamentary Inquiry into Animal Activists on Victorian Agriculture. This included introducing on-the-spot fines for farm trespass as part of stronger biosecurity laws to minimise the risk of activists spreading pests and diseases. Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath helped establish the inquiry, also called on the state government to implement these fines in line with New South Wales.