Nats petitionaims to curb rural crime

The Nationals WA party has launched a petition, calling on the State Government to review trespassing legislation after WA farmers’ details were released online by activist group Aussie Farmers.

Nationals MLC Colin Holt said the petition was a response to the deep sense of anger and frustration over crime in rural areas, which has now been exacerbated by Aussie Farms.

Mr Holt said primary producers were quite rightly concerned the disclosure of their location and details about their business would make them a target for animal rights activists, vandals and thieves.

“Farmers’ privacy, their right to farm and safety has been compromised and the risk that their properties, their families and livestock could become the target of extreme and dangerous activism activities is heightened,” he said.

“Stock and equipment theft and rural trespass are crimes of major concern to rural and isolated communities.”

The petition calls for review of legislation to protect landholders against theft, damage or destruction to livestock or property, trespassing and hunting or fishing on private land without permission.

Sign the petition at: nationalswa.com/petition_in_relation_to_rural_crime