Bairnsdale hearing on animal rights activism
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Bairnsdale hearing on animal rights activism

On Tuesday, agricultural professionals and industry groups will be presenting at a public hearing in Bairnsdale 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. This includes an examination of the type and prevalence of unauthorised activity on Victorian farms and related industries.
Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull says the public hearing in Bairnsdale is the first for the inquiry, which has received more than 300 submissions, including a number from East Gippsland.
“Our farmers don’t have the luxury of being able to simply drop everything to travel to a hearing held in Melbourne,” said Mr Bull
“That’s why I lobbied the Committee to hold a hearing in Bairnsdale and encouraged East Gippsland residents to make submissions.
“The pitiful fine handed down to the activists who invaded the Gippy Goat Café, causing its closure, has become a lightning rod for farmers who no longer feel safe at work and in their homes.
“Farmers and farm businesses need appropriate protections from these activists and I encourage all interested members of the public to attend the hearing,” said Mr Bull.
The Bairnsdale hearing will be held at the Bairnsdale RSL commencing at 9:30 am.