NSW Farmers welcomes the passing of the Rural Crime Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 in NSW Parliament. The reforms provide assurance to farmers that politicians are finally acknowledging the impact of rural crime on their business, family and community.
Throughout the year, NSW Farmers has been working with the members of the Rural Crime Advisory Group to find long-term solutions to address support for, and action on, the Bradshaw recommendations.
The reforms delivered in this Bill responding to NSW Farmers recommendations include the doubling of the maximum penalty for illegal hunting on private land from $1,100 to $2,200 and a new aggravated trespass on ‘inclosed land’ where a biosecurity risk is created or increased.
Additionally owners as well as police now have power to apply to the Local Court for a stock mustering order, as well as an extension of existing powers for inspectors and police officers to stop, search and detain vehicles and vessels where it is thought the offence of hunting on private land without consent has been committed.
However, NSW Farmers is disappointed that the reforms do not include a standalone penalty for farm trespass that support the right of a farmer to operate a farming operation without hindrance or fear.
Farmers have been let down by the judiciary for too long. Historically the sentencing for stock theft has been inadequate. The test going forward will be if magistrates ensure the sentences reflect the true impact of the crime.
In regards to prevention, as the recent $1.2 million crime spree in Moree shows, there is still a long way to go to combat rural crime. NSW Farmers looks forward to a continuing partnership with NSW Police and the Government to develop long term solutions to address rural crime.
By NSW Farmers president’ Derek Schoen.
