Blayney calls for speedy trespass reforms

Shadow Agriculture and Food minister Ian Blayney MLA wants the McGowan Government to take a tough stand against vegan activists groups and to speed up trespass reforms.

“The extreme views outlined by these individuals are concerning and highlight how out of touch they are with community expectations,” Mr Blayney said.

“Comparing the actions of activists trespassing on farming businesses and homes to the resistance advocated by Martin Luther King Jr is ludicrous and sets a worrying precedent.

“The Government needs to send a strong message to these activists by accelerating the reforms they are considering in order to immediately protect the farming community.”

Mr Blayney said he supported an April motion put forward to Parliament calling for a select committee to be established to report on the activities of animal activists.

He said this would protect farmers and their families, as well as the activists themselves.

“It is incredibly intimidating for farmers to have a large numbers of people protesting their business activities swarm on to their properties,” he said.

“It is possible that these trespassers may cause panic and trigger the farmers to defend themselves, causing a very serious situation.

“Establishing a committee to look into this all aspects of this situation would be a good way of relieving pressure and getting people on the same page.”

Mr Blayney said it was unacceptable that the farming community was still waiting for legislation to protect their businesses and homes.

“Farmers are being let down by a Government that promised to take action,” he said

“It is frustrating to see the Attorney General grandstanding on the issue yet the Government is not clear on the policies it intends to introduce.

“It has been six months since vegan activists started to step up their threats and we have yet to see any legislation introduced to Parliament to ensure the safety of the farming community.

“It is critical the Government speed up the trespass law reforms to ensure farmers, their livelihood and their families, are protected.”