Melina Bath MP – The Nationals will fight Labor’s Bill that backs appalling farmland…
The Nationals have vowed to fight Labor’s proposed legislation that will allow government officials and energy companies to enter private farmland without consent and fine landholders who object.
Labor’s National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill is set to be introduced to state parliament next week.
If successful, the Bill will deliver sweeping powers to VicGrid authorised officers to forcibly access private property, cut locks, break gates, and issue penalties for resistance to landowners.
Under the Bill, regional landholders who deny and obstruct access to authorised officers could face fines up to $12,210.
Those refusing to provide identification or proof of ownership may attract penalties over $4,000, while interfering with notices of entry could incur fines of more than $1,200 for individuals and $49,000 for corporations.
The Nationals’ Melina Bath said Labor’s proposed new laws were appalling as they run roughshod over farmers who have been continually hit hard by the Allan Government.
“It is shocking that government officials and energy companies could be handed the power to break onto private farmland without permission or the right of objection.
“The needs of energy transmission companies should not be prioritised over our hardworking farmers, regional families, and food security.
“Primary producers are justifiably concerned – on Wednesday 30 July, metropolitan Melbourne will again see the fury of regional Victorians as farmers rally on the steps of state parliament against the Allan Government proposed new law.
“The Nationals’ priority is our farmers and regional communities, and we will be standing with our agriculture sector and opposing this deplorable Bill.”
Media contact – Jenni Rohde 0437 750 806