FARM trespassers will face the toughest penalties in Australia including up to three years jail time, while farmers will enjoy the State's first legislated 'right to farm', under legislation set to be introduced by the NSW Government.
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Member for Upper Hunter and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michael Johnsen MP welcomed the news and said the legislation is all about sending the clearest possible message: enough is enough.
"Our community has had a gutful of vile attacks against hard working farming families," Mr Johnsen said.
The proposed legislation will introduce:
The toughest penalties in Australia for farm trespass, including three years jail time and up to $22,000 in fines. Currently there is no jail time for trespass.
New offences and aggravating factors for activities such as trespassing as a group, damaging property and releasing livestock.
Legal recognition of a farmer's right to farm, shielding them from nuisance claims.
"Importantly, it will also for the first time recognise a farmer's inherent right to farm and provide safeguards against nonsense nuisance claims," Mr Johnsen said.
"If you invade a farm in NSW you'll face the toughest penalties in the nation and three years potential jail time."
The Bill comes on top of regulatory changes recently introduced under the Biosecurity Act 2015, which impose further offences and large financial penalties for farm trespass that breaches on-farm biosecurity plans.
The Right to Farm Bill was an election commitment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals.