❓ Hon Colin de Grussa asks the Minister for Agriculture and Food about establishing an intelligence unit to investigate animal activists. The Minister highlights existing collaboration between agencies and upcoming reforms to support farmers.
AnsweredQoN 387Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ANIMAL ACTIVISM —
INVESTIGATION UNIT
387. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I refer to comments made by Western Australian
Farmers Federation chief executive Trevor Whittington in The West Australian of Tuesday, 9 April, seeking the formation of an intelligence unit between the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Western Australia
Police Force to investigate illegal behaviour by animal activists.
(1) Will the minister support the
establishment of such a unit?
(2) If not, will
the minister outline an alternative strategy to support WA farmers, businesses
and communities who are under siege from these extreme activist organisations?
INVESTIGATION UNIT
387. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I refer to comments made by Western Australian
Farmers Federation chief executive Trevor Whittington in The West Australian of Tuesday, 9 April, seeking the formation of an intelligence unit between the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Western Australia
Police Force to investigate illegal behaviour by animal activists.
(1) Will the minister support the
establishment of such a unit?
(2) If not, will
the minister outline an alternative strategy to support WA farmers, businesses
and communities who are under siege from these extreme activist organisations?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question.
I just want to comment first. As we
know, the last incursion by animal activists in Western Australia was a couple
of months ago, and we rapidly apprehended those individuals. They were then
charged and, I am pleased to say, convicted and given significant financial
penalties. I think it is particularly pleasing to note that then, on the
national day of action called by Aussie Farms, we had no incursions here in Western
Australia. I think it is really important to understand that context. Obviously
what we are doing is working.
(1)–(2) The
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is collaborating very
closely with WA Police to support farmers. Both agencies met with industry peak
body groups on 1 March 2019, and a follow-up meeting is planned for 17 April
2019. The Commissioner of Police has appointed four rural investigators in
addition to the police stationed in the regions who are ready to support
farmers who experience illegal acts of trespass, theft, damage, harassment,
destruction or invasion of privacy. Last month's
conviction of two animal activists for trespass, and the significant fines
imposed, serve as a warning that the police and courts will take rapid
and strong action against those who break the law. The state government is
currently working on reforms to further support farmers, including allowing
courts to impose restraining orders on activists, and stronger laws around
trespassing on farms and abattoirs.
I just want to comment first. As we
know, the last incursion by animal activists in Western Australia was a couple
of months ago, and we rapidly apprehended those individuals. They were then
charged and, I am pleased to say, convicted and given significant financial
penalties. I think it is particularly pleasing to note that then, on the
national day of action called by Aussie Farms, we had no incursions here in Western
Australia. I think it is really important to understand that context. Obviously
what we are doing is working.
(1)–(2) The
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is collaborating very
closely with WA Police to support farmers. Both agencies met with industry peak
body groups on 1 March 2019, and a follow-up meeting is planned for 17 April
2019. The Commissioner of Police has appointed four rural investigators in
addition to the police stationed in the regions who are ready to support
farmers who experience illegal acts of trespass, theft, damage, harassment,
destruction or invasion of privacy. Last month's
conviction of two animal activists for trespass, and the significant fines
imposed, serve as a warning that the police and courts will take rapid
and strong action against those who break the law. The state government is
currently working on reforms to further support farmers, including allowing
courts to impose restraining orders on activists, and stronger laws around
trespassing on farms and abattoirs.
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