Fines for illegal hunting on private land will double to $2200 and forced muster orders will be possible under legislation proposed to curb rural crime.
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Police minister and Dubbo MP Troy Grant announced the NSW Government would strengthen laws in response to a long-awaited inquiry into the issue by former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Bradshaw.
Rural crime emerged as a hot issue in recent years and statistics released in April showed reports of crimes categorised as stock theft increased by 176 to 677 – a 35 per cent rise in 12 months.
On Monday Mr Grant said the Bradshaw Review identified a number of areas for improvement in responding to rural crime from both an operational and legislative perspective.
He was speaking at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, where sheep were being received from members of an industry suffering from acts of stock theft, trespass and illegal hunting.
The review highlighted a number of common concerns among victims, including that the costs associated with rural crime were often not reflected in the penalties delivered by the courts, as well as deficiencies in the law about trespass.
In response, one of the government’s proposals is a new aggravated trespass offence where there is an enhanced biosecurity risk, intent to engage in stock theft, or the presence of hunting equipment.
The legislation will also include the ability to apply to the Local Court for a forced muster order, to assist victims of stock theft.
“I think that will be a very valuable legislative tool for rural crime investigators to get hold and reclaim that stolen stock,” Mr Grant said.
NSW Police deputy commissioner for regional field operations Gary Worboys said police were committed to improving outcomes for victims of rural crime.
“Steve [Bradshaw] makes a lot of comments about increased penalties but he also gives us a bit of commentary about country NSW where we know that police can do a better job there for some of those smaller communities,” he said.
“And it is a point here today where we’re saying to our police we need to do it a little bit better, we need to do it a little bit different and I guess I’m really looking forward to what’s in front of us.
“With the help of the community we can certainly bring a lot more people to the courts and we can use some of those tougher penalties to great effect.”
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
