GOVERNMENTS across the country deserve credit for starting to take action to protect farmers from the threat of animal activists storming onto their properties.
The federal government, as well as multiple states, have been working on new legislation to target the issue, and this week the SA government unveiled its plans to overhaul our existing trespass penalties.
Trespassers could face fines of up to $10,000 or a year in prison, while the penalties for more minor offences are set to be doubled. It's pleasing to hear the new aggravated farm trespass offences are likely to apply to processing facilities and butchers, not just farms.
It's also fantastic to see farmers could be compensated for any property damaged by trespassers, although we must remember that the impact of an animal activist attack can extend far beyond the physical damage and last for months or years.
Related reading: SA govt announces new trespass laws
Legislative changes to stop farm trespass are also being considered in Qld and NSW.
Each state has identified what it considers to be the best approach, and it's likely these will differ across the country.
While a state-by-state approach can often lead to confusion or inconsistency, in this instance I think the different strategies may actually bring benefits in the long-term.
We'll be able to monitor the new measures introduced in each state, discovering what's most effective and potentially evolving our own penalties to match. For example, NSW is considering introducing expiation notices for trespassers - a concept I'd watch with interest.
It's clear we're dealing with an unusual threat. Activists can turn up anywhere with no warning, and are highly skilled at spreading their messages through social media.
Agriculture hasn't dealt with this kind of challenge before, and it's become abundantly clear our trespass laws haven't either. It's time these laws moved into the 21st century.
Some activists believe their cause justifies breaking even the toughest laws or being hit with a hefty penalty. Stopping these people might be almost impossible. But our strengthened trespass laws might make a lot of activists think twice before deciding to go from protesting in Rundle Mall to invading a farmer's private land. We just need the court system to uphold its end of the bargain.
At least it feels like an effort is being made to allow our hard-working, law-abiding farmers to go about their business in peace.