The State Government has introduced an amendment to the Sustainable Forests Timber Bill to ensure stronger penalties are faced by protesters who put timber workers’ safety and wellbeing at risk.
The Sustainable Forests Timber Amendment (Timber Harvesting Safety Zones) Bill 2022 was introduced in parliament on Wednesdsay 25 May to modernise enforcement measures to better deter dangerous protest activities in harvesting zones.
Protesters who illegally enter these zones, which are small and restricted areas where forestry activities are being undertaken, and dangerously interfere with workers or their machinery, will be subject to stronger penalties including maximum fines of more than $21,000 or 12-months imprisonment.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the government respects the right to protest safely but want to make sure workers go home to their families each day.
“Every Victorian has the right to be safe at work. Protests are becoming increasingly dangerous – particularly for workers – which is why this legislation will support them to get on with their job and minimise disruption to the industry,” Ms Thomas said.
PVC and metal pipes, which can be used in dangerous protest activities, will be added to the prohibited items list meaning they potentially attract extra fines if used to hinder or obstruct timber harvesting operations.
To prevent repeated safety risks across multiple Timber Harvesting Safety Zones, Authorised Officers will be able to issue Banning Notices. The notices will aim to stop individuals from repeatedly engaging in dangerous activities in Timber Harvesting Safety Zones and other forestry coupe areas.
Authorised Officers will be given additional powers to search containers, bags and vehicles for prohibited items.
This Bill will bring the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 in line with other similar pieces of legislation such as the Wildlife Act 1975. For more information visit vic.gov.au/forestry.
Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said the industry is already a dangerous environment.
“…And is sadly over-represented in serious incidents and fatalities. Every Victorian deserves to be safe at work, and these laws will strengthen protections for forestry workers,” Ms Stitt said.
