If you think that activism is important in Australia then you should be very concerned about new legislation put forward by Liberal Party Senator Chris Back.
His legislation will place strong curbs on the secret video recording of animal cruelty.
If passed, the law would require investigators to report to authorities immediately if they have recorded any footage documenting cruelty.
This rule would prevent investigators from gathering extensive evidence of systemic or long term abuse.
Video footage of ongoing cruelty or neglect is invaluable from an animal-protection perspective.
This was highlighted clearly in the recent 4 Corners expose on the greyhound racing industry.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce is backing the new bill which also clamps down on activists who “trespass” on private land to obtain footage.
The Senate is now examining the bill and submissions can be made here before March 12:
More info:
https://www.voiceless.org.au/content/5-reasons-fear-ag-gag
http://animal-lib.org.au/campaigns/ag-gag-legislation
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/new-laws-could-stop-revelations-of-animal-...