An inquiry is being held into the issue with submissions made from those in the North East.

Rivalea managing director Mick Hewat and director Kenton Shaw wrote to the inquiry, noting that staff and families had experienced physical, verbal and online abuse from activists.

"Our staff and families have the right to feel safe and free from confrontation and harassment from activist intruders," they said.

Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy welcomed the Wangaratta hearing.

"Our farmers deserve to be safe at work and in their homes, but that's not been the case while law-breaking activists feel they can invade farms and steal livestock, only to get a slap on the wrist," he said.