There’s just two weeks left for East Gippsland’s farmers, farm businesses and community members to contribute to the Inquiry into farm trespass laws, that will hopefully result in tougher actions for illegal farm invasions.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull has urged locals to make a submission to the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture, before public submissions close on August 2.

Mr Bull said the public’s views will provide critical evidence to inform the Committee’s final recommendations.

“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 break in and steal livestock, only to get a slap on the wrist,” said Mr Bull.

“Farmers and farm businesses need appropriate protections from these activists and I encourage anyone who agrees that the laws need to be stronger to put in a public submission and add their voice in support of our responsible, ethical farmers.

“The East Gippsland community must not miss this opportunity to be heard and to make a difference for our farmers and their families”.

Agriculture makes a vital contribution to our state each year. In 2017-18, it contributed $15 billion to Victoria’s economy – a quarter the national total – and supported nearly 90,000 jobs. The value of agricultural production in the Latrobe-Gippsland region was reported at $1.8 billion, equating to 12 per cent of the industry value within Victoria.

Mr Bull congratulated the Federal Liberal Nationals Government for moving to strengthen privacy laws, including penalties for anyone using technology to incite trespass on private property.

“East Gippsland’s farmers should be protected against these keyboard warriors who encourage other law-breaking activists to trespass, steal livestock and publicly bring down our hard-working farmers’ reputation,” said Mr Bull.

“The Nationals stand with our farmers and rural communities, and this Victorian Inquiry is a first step forward to deliver the change our communities are demanding.”

To make a public submission visit https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic-lc/article/4202 before August 2.

The Economy and Infrastructure Committee will hold hearings later in the year and provide a final report to Parliament by November 28.