NSW Farmers say penalties for rural trespass are too soft, and have demanded police be given broader powers to inspect and confiscate dogs, weapons, and vehicles from suspected illegal hunters.
The Association’s tough new policy position, which was hashed out in a fiery debate at annual conference last week, also aligns with recommendations in a yet-to-be-released report into rural crime that was commissioned by government in February.
Cabinet has not said when it will release the report by Ex-Dubbo cop Steve Bradshaw, but Barwon MP Kevin Humphries, who assisted Mr Bradshaw with public consultation, says it will recommend farm-specific intrusions be upgraded to aggravated trespass.
The term aggravated trespass was introduced to the NSW legal vocabulary earlier this year via government’s controversial Inclosed Lands, Crimes and Law Enforcement Amendment Bill - known among critics as the anti-protester laws.
Aggravated trespass currently applies to those creating a serious safety risk or interfering with business operations during unauthorised entry to private property, and carries a minimum $5500 fine.
But both Mr Humphries and NSW Farmers said these laws did not provide specific protection for farmers.
Another recommendation in the Bradshaw report is to give police greater powers to stop and search anyone suspected of illegal hunting, and to seize any animals, weapons, and vehicles belonging to them.
Mr Humphries said this would build compliance comparable to fisheries regulations.
“Basically it’s about making illegal hunting in the bush as taboo as illegal fishing on the coast,” Mr Humphries said.
“You saw the reform with NSW Fisheries 20 years ago - and people now know they can’t take any fish they want.”
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Brown said he supported greater scrutiny on trespassers and farm safety, so long as any reform had no intended consequences for law-abiding hunters.
Deputy Premier and Police Minister Troy Grant said Cabinet was considering Mr Bradshaw’s report.
The Nationals leader said a major challenge facing the fight against rural crime was attracting police to the bush.
“I'm working closely with Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione to look at new and innovative ways to (do this),” he said.
“This will include assessing whether the current incentive package is adequate to get the best cops into our towns.”
NSW Farmers delegates also flagged a need for more police on country roads, and at rural stations, during last week’s policy debate.
Alex Druce
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
