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WA Nats vow to crack down on rural crime

Headshot of Jenne Brammer
Jenne BrammerThe West Australian
Queensland police on the trail of cattle thieves
Camera IconQueensland police on the trail of cattle thieves Credit: Supplied

Penalties for trespassing on rural property will be far tougher, the Rural Stock Squad would be reinstated and drone legislation reformed to provide better protection for farmers and regional communities, if the Nationals WA return to power next year.

Nationals WA leader Mia Davies pledged to crack down on rural crime in an announcement today at the Boyanup Sale Yards, following incidents by vegan activists last year who had trespassed on local farms, plus a spate of stock thefts in rural WA.

Ms Davies said communities had been crying out for additional police support and stronger deterrents after a spike in trespass offences involving animal activists over the past year.

She said farmers, workers and their families had the right to feel safe and secure in their homes and at their workplaces.

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"The Nationals WA have listened to our farming families, agricultural organisations and the WA Police Union to develop a suite of policies to ensure our lawfully operating businesses are protected," she said.

Leader of the Nationals Mia Davies visit the Boyanup saleyards.
Camera IconLeader of the Nationals Mia Davies visit the Boyanup saleyards. Credit: Nicolette Barbas

She said if returned to Government in 2021, the Nationals WA would urgently establish an aggravated trespass offence, which would carry significantly higher penalties when multiple offenders are present or when geographical isolation or biosecurity risks are a factor.

On-the-spot fines of $1000 for trespass on agricultural properties, cafes, restaurants and schools would be introduced.

The rural stock squad - disbanded in 2008 - would be reinstated, with an additional 20 full-time regional police officers to deliver specialised support to prevent regional crime.

There would also be reforms to the the Surveillance Devices Act 1998 to ensure drones can’t be used to scope out farming properties.

The McGowan Government has been planning reforms to current laws to afford better protection in the wake of increased activism, but these have not been finalised.

Agriculture spokesperson Colin de Grussa said rural crime was not just limited to animal activists.

"Due to their geographical isolation, farms can be targets for stock, equipment and machinery theft," Mr de Grussa said.

"Farmers have also had to contend with illegal hunting, fishing and poaching on their properties, often aided by the use of drones to conduct illegal surveillance."

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