No to forced land entry

THE State Government’s proposed Right of Entry Bill, which would allow public officials to force their way onto the land of farmers and other property owners is set to face vigorous opposition.

The Government’s bill that is due to be debated in Parliament provides for extraordinary powers to be given to authorised officers under the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who resist the intrusion face fines of up to $12,210 and up to $48,842 for body corporates.

Government officers would be allowed to use reasonable force to enter land deemed necessary for the construction of electricity transmission towers across large swathes of the state.

They would have the power to remove any obstruction, with authorisation to cut locks and break open gates when undertaking involuntary entry onto properties.

Offences under the legislation include hindering, obstructing or delaying authorised activity; obscuring, damaging or destroying a notice of proposed entry; failure to provide identification; and providing false identification, address, or evidence of ownership.

The farming community, including the Victorian Farmers Federation and Opposition Members of Parliament halve all slammed the bill as an overreach that undermines property rights, creates legal uncertainty, and opens the door to forced access without adequate consultation or compensation.

A spokesperson for the Mitchell Shire based Protect Our Farms group has condemned the Bill, describing it as “outrageous” and likening it to a form of compulsory acquisition.

“Farmers work tirelessly to care for their land and their stock, and to have legislation that effectively overrides their right to determine who can enter their property is unacceptable. This is not just a policy change. It’s a direct attack on property rights,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a law that singles out primary producers as though they don’t have the same rights as other landholders.

“The fine effectively removes the ability to say no. This is coercion, plain and simple. It pushes farmers to the limit — financially, mentally, and emotionally. Many are already dealing with rising costs, weather pressures, and regulatory burdens, and now they are expected to give up their basic rights as landowners. It’s unacceptable and we will continue to fight it.”

The group is calling on all Victorians to stand with farmers, warning that this bill sets a dangerous precedent for all property owners.

“If the government can bulldoze the rights of farmers today, who will be next? This isn’t just about agriculture, it’s about the fundamental right to protect your home, your land, and your livelihood from unnecessary intrusion. We urge the community to speak out before these rights are permanently eroded,” the spokesperson added.

Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell added her voice, saying the Opposition will oppose the Bill.

“The Government’s legislation is an extraordinary over-step and tramples on long-standing democratic processes as Labor seeks to force the rollout of its botched energy policies,” Ms Lovell said.

“Removing landowners’ rights to appeal against these projects at VCAT shows complete disregard for rural Victorians and reflects an increasingly authoritarian stance from a Labor government now in its eleventh year,” she added.

This was backed up by Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, who said the Nationals would also oppose the proposed legislation.

“This is an extraordinary overreach from a government that has lost control of their energy rollout, and once again it is hardworking farmers and regional families who will bear the brunt of their reckless decisions,” Ms Cleland said.

Ms Cleeland said the government was prioritising energy companies over property rights, biosecurity, and liability concerns if something goes wrong, such as livestock escaping or disease spreading.

“The lack of trust between Labor and regional communities continues to grow. Instead of backing regional Victorians during one of the toughest seasons, this government is threatening them with fines and bulldozing their rights,” she said.