Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 366 standing in the name and the name of Senator Back, as follows:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) with concern the activities of vigilantes on private farm property, and covertly filming 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.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

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.