LNP crackdown on animal extremists

The LNP will introduce a Private Members Bill for harsher penalties for animal extremists and is calling on Labor to support the plan.

It follows high-profile cases where law-abiding businesses were targeted by protesters, but the outcry from the public fell on deaf ears by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

In one case, 120 protesters stormed an abattoir near Warwick and chained themselves to machinery.

Ms. Frecklington said Annastacia Palaszczuk has turned her back on Queensland farmers and must support the LNP’s unprecedented crackdown.

“The deliberate actions of these protesters were disgraceful and caused significant stress to business owners and their families,” Ms. Frecklington said.

“The best Annastacia Palaszczuk can do is threaten these low-life protesters with new on-the-spot-fines of $652.

“It’s laughable and pathetic.

“The LNP is proposing three new criminal offences; Aggravated Trespass, Serious Criminal Trespass and Organised Trespass. *

“Whether you’re an individual, a group or an organisation, you will face severe punishments for industrial sabotage.

“Hefty fines and lengthy jail time are the only way to stamp out this disruptive, pre-meditated and sophisticated behaviour.

“Mining activists will also face the full force of the law under the LNP’s strong and detailed plan.”

Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said these ratbag protesters are hell bent on causing as much economic harm they can.

“This industrial sabotage has no place in Queensland, yet under the Palaszczuk Labor Government they’re getting away with it.

“Labor is soft on crime, always has been and always will be.

“Farmers are the life blood of this country and they aren’t getting the respect they deserve from Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is under hypnosis from the Greens and far left.

“The LNP’s three new offences will protect businesses and send a strong message to these protesters to nick off and go home.

“Labor should stop playing politics, back the farmers and support the LNP’s plan.”

*Current Trespass laws

  • General Trespass – Maximum penalty—20 penalty units ($2,600) or 1 year’s imprisonment.
  • Trespass on farmland: Maximum penalty—10 penalty units ($1,300) or 6 months imprisonment.

Labor Trespass fines (biosecurity regulations):

  • On the spot fines of $652.75 – no imprisonment.

LNP Trespass:

  • Aggravated trespass: maximum of 3 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of 100 penalty units ($13,055)
  • Serious Criminal Trespass: maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of 3000 penalty units ($391,650)
  • Organised Trespass: maximum fine of 10 years imprisonment or 3000 penalty units ($391,650)