26th Aug 2014, 4:11 PM – Senate Motions - Agriculture: Animal Rights Activism - Condemn

The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie (Nationals) also on behalf of WA Senator Christopher Back (Liberals), which means it passed. Motions like these don't make any legal changes on their own but they can be politically significant since they represent the will of the Senate.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes with concern that:

(i) the activities of vigilantes on private farm property, and the covert filming of operations, is trespassing and is illegal, and

(ii) such activities are distressing to the animals, staff and owners, and disrupt the operation of legitimate businesses;

(b) acknowledges the risk of such activities introducing biosecurity threats through the spread of disease that can be detrimental to animals and the viability of farm businesses;

(c) condemns such illegal actions;

(d) calls on vigilantes to respect the laws, and present any animal mistreatment allegations immediately and directly to authorities; and

(e) acknowledges the strong animal husbandry skills of Australian farmers and does not tolerate animal cruelty in any form.