The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, joined the protest on the steps of Parliament, rallying against the Allan Labor Government’s proposed National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025, which fails to respect the rights and concerns of regional landholders across the state.
“It is a disgrace that regional farmers and landowners are once again having to stand up for their rights and having to fight legislation that impacts so significantly on their lives and where they face significant infringements for doing so.
“Our farmers are exhausted by having to keep fighting just to survive on the land, they shouldn’t have to be taken away from their daily lives to have their voices heard.
“We had the Emergency Services Tax slapped on volunteers and now this, it is just another onslaught to our farmers and landowners.
“This piece of legislation is an overreach by the Allan Labor Government, enabling authorised officials and transmission companies the power to march onto private farmland without consent.
“This includes the power to remove any obstruction, with authorisation to cut locks and break open gates when undertaking involuntary entry onto properties.
“If landholders dare to defend their property, they face fines of up to $12,210 for saying no, over $4,000 for not holding ID, and $1,221 just for taking down a notice from their own land.
“A government that truly values rural and regional Victorians wouldn’t be pushing legislation like this, especially after stripping away their right to challenge these projects through VCAT.
“That’s why the Allan Labor Government, in a state of panic, is now trying to grab excessive new powers to bulldoze ahead with its so-called renewable energy transition.”
Ms O’Keeffe emphasised that while energy reform is essential, it must be done with respect for local communities along with practical and fair outcomes.
“A Liberal and Nationals Government will repeal this legislation, and we will also scrap the Emergency Services Tax because we care about our farmers and all Victorians impacted by cruel and unfair legislation.”
