CONTROVERSIAL legislation to fast-track the construction of new electrical transmission infrastructure, which grants state officials unprecedented powers to force their way onto private land, have passed in parliament.
Labor’s National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 passed with the support of the Animal Justice Party, the Greens, the Greens, and the Legalise Cannabis Party, despite fierce opposition from the Liberals and Nationals.
The new law empowers the state-controlled body, VicGrid, to use “reasonable force” to enter private land for transmission projects. This includes the right to cut locks and break open gates without a landowner’s consent. Farmers and landowners who resist or obstruct this forced entry face steep penalties of up to $12,210.
Wendy Lovell, the Member for Northern Victoria, spoke out against the legislation, calling it “draconian” and a sign of Labor’s “contempt for regional communities.” She said the bill makes farmers and landowners, “the victim of Labor’s ideological obsession with forcing through a rushed transition to renewable energy.”
The Opposition secured one amendment to the bill, which prevents the Treasurer from diverting money from the community benefit fund into general revenue to cover cost blowouts. However, the Government, with support of the Greens, passed a separate amendment allowing funds to be redirected towards “biodiversity” programs instead.
The bill’s passage comes amid a heated debate over the Victorian Transmission Plan. The Government has refused to provide detailed costings to counter Professor Bruce Mountain’s estimate of a $28 billion price tag.
Further, the new powers also centralise control within VicGrid, giving it the combined roles of planner, developer, regulator, and enforcer. This reform reportedly exempts VicGrid’s planning documents from the Freedom of Information Act and removes the right of appeal for landholders.
The Opposition has pledged to repeal the legislation if elected. Ms Lovell said the Liberals will, “give back rural people the rights they have lost under Labor.” They have also promised to reintroduce a two-kilometre buffer zone between homes and wind turbines and to repeal the right of appeal for regional Victorians.
