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Mr GEORGE (Lismore) [6.14 p.m.]: This afternoon I raise the issue of stock theft and rural crime in my electorate of Lismore. I appreciate that the Minister for Police and the Minister for Agriculture have established a rural crime working party. Having experience in the livestock industry, I attended a forum in Casino on stock theft. Stock theft forums have also been conducted at Yass, Narrandera, Mudgee, Coonabarabran, Walgett, Narrabri and Nyngan. Producers, police, New South Wales Farmers, representatives of Rural Land Protection Boards and local government, stock and station agents, livestock carriers, meat operators, abattoir representatives and rural counsellors generally attended these meetings. To address this age-old problem, the working party needs to address the following points. First, we need clarity in stock statements. This documentation is needed to describe accurately the full content and history of the movement of livestock. This received full support at the stock theft forums.
The second point which needs to be reinforced is the stock identification system. There is unanimous support for a national identification system—with emphasis on the word "national"—such as a Bolus, which can be scanned. Furthermore, a corresponding ear tag or other external form of identification is recommended. Third, the police need to establish a rural crime group, with approximately 40 squads needed across the State. This recommendation received unanimous support throughout the State. In some cases there seems to be confusion regarding the powers of police. The police need powers to stop and inspect livestock vehicles and to enter a property without a warrant. I understand that representatives of Rural Lands Protection Boards can enter a property immediately to inspect livestock but police cannot, and this needs to be addressed.
A review of the laws also needs to be addressed. The introduction of specialised magistrates experienced in rural crime is a strong recommendation. The introduction of on-the-spot fines is a possibility. The Department of Public Prosecutions or relevant agency needs access to accredited expert witnesses in livestock matters and rural crime. The need to have feral animal poaching must also be addressed. The suggestion of the possible establishment of a compensation fund was raised at a couple of meetings. I spoke to a person who had lost $40,000 worth of steers in one theft. That has had a devastating effect on the person but he has nowhere to turn for support or assistance. An article in a weekend newspaper stated that Mr and Mrs Leith Towns were devastated after cattle rustlers stole most of their herd. The article stated:
Police said they were looking for "a professional outfit" after the 245 head, valued at about $160,000, were systematically herded through thickly wooded range country on horseback.
At the stock theft forums it became evident that the rural people of this State need to use the police assistance line: 131 444. I encourage rural people to use this line, as does the rural crime working group. Its use will enable police to gather intelligence which will hopefully lead to arrests. Rural areas and police require our support in promoting this help line, because in the long run the help line will aid residents. It would be fair to say that there was 100 per cent support for the suggestions in principle at these forums. We did not get 100 per cent support mainly because of producers' concerns about the cost of implementing the recommendations. However, the industry deserves some government assistance to make sure that the problems are addressed. I lay the report on the table.