[no bill text published] Exemption from Electrical Device Prohibitions for Users of Virtual Stock Fencing Devices
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023
Independent BillLegislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Introduced by: Philip Donato MP (IND)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Helen Dalton IND
“I speak in support of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. Virtual fencing is a revolutionary concept in agriculture and land management. Hopefully, gone are the days of traditional barriers. Virtual fencing presents a sustainable and efficient solution for controlling livestock while maximising land use and preserving our environment.”
Maryanne Stuart ALP
“I contribute to debate on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and robust animal welfare framework in New South Wales.”
Edmond Atalla ALP
“I make a brief contribution to debate on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and resilient biosecurity framework in New South Wales. I acknowledge the member for Orange for introducing the bill.”
“I contribute to debate on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. Since my election, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development. At the outset, I state my support for our world‑class primary industries sector that was worth an estimated $21.2 billion in the 2022‑23 financial year.”
Roy Butler IND
“I commend the member for Orange for introducing the important Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, which represents a true collaboration of science and industry. I know the level of consultation that the member has undertaken to get this bill to Parliament. I state from the outset that I enthusiastically support this bill.”
Michael Holland ALP
“I contribute to the debate on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. From the outset, I acknowledge the Government’s intent to oppose the bill. The Government is deeply committed to supporting our primary industries. We have consistently prioritised initiatives aimed at bolstering the resilience and productivity of our agricultural sector.”
Stephen Bali ALP
“The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024 was brought to the House by the member for Orange, Philip Donato, representing his community on this important issue. The Government wants to continue working with the member for Orange to enhance the bill and will make recommendations about ways to move forward.”
Janelle Saffin ALP
“First, I fully understand why the member for Orange has brought the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024 before Parliament. But the Government does not support the bill at this stage, and I will outline some of the reasons. First, the bill is not limited to cattle only.”
Ron Hoenig ALP
“I make a brief contribution to debate on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. I commend the member for Orange for bringing this bill to the House. New South Wales has a world-class primary industries sector, the very best of which will be showcased and celebrated at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which begins tomorrow.”
Philip Donato IND
“I indicate at the outset that I do not oppose the motion of the Leader of the House to refer the bill to the committee for inquiry. I thank all the speakers who contributed to the second reading debate—the members representing the electorates of Dubbo, Prospect, Murray, Heathcote, Mt Druitt, Liverpool, Barwon, Bega, Blacktown and Lismore—as well as the Leader of the House.”
News articles and press releases
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023
Mr PHILIP DONATO, Member for Orange — 2024-02-08
Virtual fencing is an innovative system that enables livestock farmers to create virtual boundaries without the need for physical internal property fencing. Virtual fencing is invisible and somewhat intangible. The virtual boundary is created on a computer program using GPS technology for the purpose of confining stock animals to a pre-determined area without using traditional fixed fencing. Stock animals are fitted with a neck collar that is powered by a solar-chargeable battery. When the stock animal approaches the pre-determined boundary, the collar emits an audible cue, followed by a safe electrical stimulus to deter the animal from the virtual fence line. The energy of the stimulus delivered by the collar is less than that of a standard electric fence.