Troy Grant announced the NSW Government would tighten up laws concerning stock theft, trespass and illegal hunting after a review by former Assistant Commissioner Steve Bradshaw.

Mr Grant said the review identified areas for improvement from both an operational and legislative perspective.

“We must ensure that the police respond to reports of crime in a timely fashion and have the necessary skills and knowledge of their local communities to hold those responsible for these crimes to account,” he said.

The Bradshaw Review highlighted a number of common concerns among victims, including that the costs associated with rural crime are often not reflected in the penalties delivered by the courts, as well as deficiencies in the law regarding trespass.

The announcement of change was welcomed by NSW Farmers but there was still some concerns about the fine print.

President Derek Schoen said increasing sentences for perpetrators carrying out rural crime offences was an important step forward in reassuring landholders.

“NSW Farmers welcomes the doubling of the maximum penalty for illegal hunting on private land from $1,100 to $2,200, a new aggravated trespass offence where there is an enhanced biosecurity risk, intent to engage in stock theft, or the presence of hunting equipment, and a specific reference to a victim’s geographical isolation as an aggravating factor on sentence,” he said.

“However, NSW Farmers is disappointed that there are no recommendations in the Bradshaw Review that address the current inadequate sentencing by magistrates for stock theft.

“We are also concerned about the recommendation for the licencing of rangeland goat operators as it wouldn’t decrease theft and would only add to the compliance burden on those operating within the law.”