ANIMAL ACTIVISM —
TRESPASS
496. Hon
COLIN de GRUSSA to the minister representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to disruptive behaviour by
vegan activists in Leederville last week, including by activists who have
recently been convicted of on-farm trespassing incidents.
(1) Were any
activists at this protest in contravention of any court-ordered conditions?
(2) Will the
state government consider legislative changes to effectively deter recidivist
activists from being involved in these types of behaviours?
(3) Do the
disruptive actions of these activists contravene WA Criminal Code section 62
with regard to unlawful assembly or any other aspect of the Criminal Code?
(4) Is the
minister aware if any recently convicted activists have breached any
court-ordered conditions?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The Minister for Police has provided the following
answer. The Western Australia Police Force advises the following.
(1) None of those
present was in contravention of any court-ordered conditions by being at that
location and protesting. One had breached his bail conditions by failing to
report to police.
(2) The state
government and the Western Australia Police Force are working with stakeholders
to develop options for the introduction of legislation to create circumstances
of aggravation for trespass offences.
(3) Their actions
in Leederville did not contravene section 62 or any other section of the
Criminal Code. Three activists present in Leederville have been arrested and
convicted for trespassing offences.
(4) The matter
should be referred to the Leader of the House representing the Attorney
General.