Sustainable Forests Timber Amendment (Timber Harvesting Safety Zones) Bill 2022
Introduction and first reading
Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development) (12:06): I move:
That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 in relation to enforcement and other matters relating to timber-harvesting operations and for other purposes.
Motion agreed to.
Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (12:06): Can I ask the minister for a brief explanation please?
Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development) (12:06): Yes, of course. Every worker in Victoria has the right to a safe workplace, regardless of where they work. The bill will modernise the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 to better deter dangerous and illegal protest activities that put the safety and wellbeing of forestry workers at risk. The amendments will increase penalties for offences related to timber-harvesting safety zones protests, prohibit more things from being able to be possessed in timber-harvesting safety zones, clarify that the offence of interference with timber-harvesting operations includes interfering with authorised personnel and machinery, and include a new banning notice power for authorised officers and police officers.
Read first time.
Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.