Compulsory CCTV cameras in abattoirs and on-the-spot fines for a new biosecurity offence are among the recommendations reported as part of the Victorian inquiry into animal activism.
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The report on the inquiry into the impact of animal rights activism on Victorian agriculture was tabled in parliament on Wednesday night and made 15 recommendations after receiving more than 500 written submissions and holding seven public hearings, including Wangaratta, with 57 witnesses giving evidence.
Two main recommendations from the inquiry call on the government to consider mandatory CCTV in all abattoirs across the state, as well as bringing in a fine for a new offence "similar to the NSW model" for non-compliance with biosecurity management plans.
Another main recommendation was for the government to consider the need to "codify public interest exemptions" in the Surveillance Devices Act for activists who installed video equipment on farms without permission.
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In the report the committee, which include Members for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty and Mark Gepp, expresses concern about the "level of misinformation spread by activists regarding animal agriculture practices".
It considers Agriculture Victoria ideally placed to correct this misinformation, allowing Victorians to be better informed in these matters.
"Our recommendations address the problems raised with us by people across the state and will help to build public confidence in an industry that is vital to Victoria and that has high standards of animal welfare," committee chair Nazih Elasmar said.
"Public confidence is a key weapon against the misinformation spread by some activists.
"Those animal rights activists who are engaging in illegal behaviour must stop.
They can make their point, but they must do so without harassing and frightening farmers and their families and staff."
The report is available on the committee's website.
