Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee
Vote on a motion
This division appears to relate to a procedural motion from another part of the sitting day. The Agriculture bill debate was adjourned without a vote being taken in this section.
The motion was rejected.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
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Ayes (43)
Noes (47)
▸11 members spoke5 support6 mixed
As Minister for Agriculture, moved the second reading and outlined the bill's provisions including doubled penalties for farm trespass, biosecurity management plans, and animal welfare amendments.
“I commend the Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 to the House.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
As shadow agriculture minister, stated the opposition supports many aspects of the bill but foreshadowed amendments regarding animals in hot vehicles and penalties for illegal dog baiting. Raised concerns about several provisions.
“The opposition supports many aspects of this bill. However, I foreshadow that I will be moving amendments regarding animals in hot vehicles and penalties for illegal dog baiting.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
As committee member, stated the LNP would not oppose the bill but moved amendments to improve it. Raised concerns about the removal of agricultural colleges and lack of public scrutiny.
“From the outset, I indicate that the LNP will not oppose the bill but will move the amendments that we believe will vastly improve it.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member, focusing on animal welfare provisions including rescue of animals from hot vehicles.
“I commend the bill to the House.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Stated the LNP supports aspects of the bill including accountability for animal offences but criticised the government's secrecy and late amendments regarding agricultural colleges.
“The LNP supports aspects of this bill which will help to ensure that individuals responsible for animal offences are held to account.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
As committee chair, supported the bill and outlined its provisions on biosecurity management plans, farm trespass penalties, and animal welfare measures.
“I rise to speak in support of the Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
As committee member, stated the LNP would not oppose the amendments but raised concerns about agricultural college closures, wild goat movement provisions, and the late introduction of ministerial amendments.
“The LNP will not be opposing these amendments but would call for more clarity from the minister.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Supported the bill and the minister's amendments, drawing on his background in horticulture and agriculture.
“I rise to speak in support of the Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 as well as the amendments proposed by the minister.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Supported provisions against farm activists but criticised the closure of agricultural colleges and raised concerns about wild dog management and biosecurity provisions.
“It is a terrible shame and a blight on the actions of the government.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Would not oppose the bill in its entirety but expressed deep concerns about several provisions including wild goat movement restrictions and agricultural college closures. Supported the LNP amendments.
“Can I say at the outset that whilst I will not be opposing this bill in its entirety, I have some deep concerns regarding some of the provisions contained within it.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
Supported the bill, focusing on the farm trespass provisions and the distressing impact of activist intrusions on farming families.
“It is an excellent bill and it should be supported by all those in the House.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion was defeated.
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Ayes (40)
Noes (46)
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill makes wide-ranging changes to Queensland's agricultural, biosecurity and animal welfare laws. Most notably, it doubles penalties for farm trespass, introduces biosecurity management plans that visitors must follow, and gives animal welfare inspectors new powers to help abandoned animals.
Who it affects
Farmers gain stronger protections against trespassers and protesters. Pet owners benefit from microchip transfer requirements. Farmers in financial difficulty have expanded access to debt mediation. Animal activists face significantly increased penalties.
Farm trespass and protest restrictions
Responds to animal activist protests by increasing penalties and expanding the types of land protected. Creates new biosecurity offences for people who enter properties without following biosecurity management plans.
- Maximum penalty for farm trespass doubled to 20 penalty units or 1 year imprisonment
- Offence extended to abattoirs, saleyards, animal exhibitions and agricultural showgrounds
- Gatherings of 3+ people can be unlawful if they pose biosecurity, safety or economic risks
- Non-compliance with biosecurity management plans can attract penalties up to 500 penalty units
Animal welfare
Strengthens animal protection by clarifying that leaving animals in hot vehicles can be cruelty, and giving inspectors more power to help abandoned animals.
- Confining animals in hot vehicles explicitly included as potential animal cruelty
- Inspectors can enter properties to help abandoned animals without needing a warrant
- Inspectors can access vehicle registration information to investigate animal welfare offences
- Dog suppliers must provide microchip transfer forms to new owners
Biosecurity improvements
Makes it easier to update biosecurity zones as pest and disease situations change, and improves traceability of goats.
- Biosecurity zone maps can be amended without changing regulations
- All goats now require approved identification devices, removing previous exemptions
- Electronic movement records accepted for livestock tracking
Farm debt mediation
Expands access to debt mediation for farmers facing financial hardship.
- Mediation available to farmers who borrowed money secured by farm property, even if they do not personally own the property
- Other affected persons like partners can participate in mediation
Forestry and environment
Streamlines removal of wild stock and abandoned vehicles from State forests, and speeds up threatened species listing.
- Pre-muster notification period for wild stock reduced to 5 business days
- Plantation officers can seize and dispose of abandoned vehicles
- Minister must decide on threatened species recommendations within 30 days
Racing integrity
Clarifies the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission's powers and validates past decisions.
- QRIC's authority to appoint stewards and administer penalties confirmed
- Actions taken since July 2017 retrospectively validated