A Victorian Government spokesperson, however, said Victoria had some of the toughest penalties for farm trespass in Australia.
Up to 30 protestors are believed to have entered the Benalla facility around 4am, chaining themselves to machines and putting a halt on operations for a family run small business.
Ms Kealy condemned the government saying it chose to protect activists rather than small businesses, allowing for the continued disruption of legal business operations across the state.
“Labor’s weak activist laws hurt not just businesses and employees, it also waste the time of front line emergency service workers,” Ms Kealy said.
“People have the right to operate their business without being repeatedly broken into and head to work without being disrupted by this illegal behaviour.
“While these activists are entitled to their views, damaging equipment, breaking and entering and halting legitimate business is an appalling, and brazenly illegal way to voice dissent.”
Ms Kealey said last year the state government blocked the Nationals’ proposals to increase biosecurity protections and increase penalties for trespassing activists under the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021.
“After years of unpunished vandalism, the Labor Government was dragged kicking and screaming to the table by the Nationals to put activist trespass laws in place,” Ms Kealy said.
“When legislation finally passed Parliament, the Andrews Government and their Labor-aligned crossbench ignored the demands of the agriculture sector to deliver some of the softest trespass penalties in the country.
“Doubling the maximum penalty would have sent a strong message to anyone considering trespassing on private property that Victoria won’t tolerate illegal invasions of primary production facilities.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the local business had continually been targeted by activists.
“This business has operated for 25 years and employs 40 people across the north-east,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Workers shouldn’t have to be confronted by these abusive and threatening working conditions when they’re simply trying to earn a living.
“This is not legitimate protest. It hurts businesses, employees and the community and it should be condemned and stamped out.”
The Victorian Government spokesperson said the government was taking the issue seriously.
“Trespassers on farms and processing facilities threaten the biosecurity systems that protect Victoria’s agriculture industry from the risks of pest and disease,” the spokesperson said.
“On-the-spot fines can be issued, and for serious offences, trespassers could be fined up to $55,476.”
