Tough new farm trespass laws to protect Australia’s farmers from the unlawful actions of animal activists have passed the Australian Parliament.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill showed Australia’s farmers that Australians were on their side.

“Aggressive animal activists have invaded farms across the country trespassing, threatening and harassing farming families,” Mr Taylor said.

“These people have no respect or consideration for farmer’s and their businesses.”

“This Bill makes it a criminal offence to publish material, via a carriage service like the internet, if you intend to incite trespass, property damage or theft on agricultural land.

“We are backing Aussie farmers and this bill sends a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.”

“Animal activists who use the personal information of family farmers to incite trespass risk imprisonment of up to five years.

“The Government is serious about deterring those who want to disrupt and intimidate our farmers, fishers and foresters in their homes and on their properties.”

The Senate passed the Bill on Thursday and it will be presented for Royal Assent through the regular process.