Labor senator says 'unnecessary' vegan activist bill 'unlikely to actually be used'

Kim Carr concerned about unintended consequences on trade union activity and whistleblowers

The Labor senator Kim Carr has branded proposed new penalties for encouraging trespass on agricultural land "unnecessary", joining the Law Council in expressing concern about the Coalition's "vegan activist" bill.

Carr said the bill is "unlikely to actually be used" but has the potential for unintended consequences, including limiting trade union activity or for whistleblowers raising animal protection and food safety concerns.