Australian farmers call for land rights guarantee
Copyright 2001 Reuters
October 4, 2001
CANBERRA - Australia's powerful farm lobby launched a campaign yesterday demanding compensation if environmental laws or farm management regulations restricted farming.
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) said the government and opposition Labor, neck-and-neck in polls ahead of an expected November election, would only win rural support by guaranteeing property rights and compensation for land use restrictions.
NFF President Ian Donges said rural Australia needed protection against legislative changes eroding assets, reducing income and putting the squeeze on the viability of farming.
"We are looking for a commitment from all political parties that if federal legislation or regulation reduces or removes farmers' property rights, then compensation must be provided," Donges told reporters.
"Farmers are increasingly faced with tougher laws regulating the environmental impacts of farming, but our land is an asset and if restrictions are put on that land it affects our ability to earn income and compensation would only be fair."
Donges said tax reform, rural transport, health and education were among other top priorities the farm lobby wanted addressed at the election, widely expected to be called for November 10.
Farmers have traditionally backed the Liberal/National government, but support for the rural-based National Party has waned in recent years due to voter anger over free market reforms, high petrol prices and tax changes.
The National Party, the junior partner in the ruling coalition, is only securing around two percent support in latest opinion polls compared to five percent a year ago.
Sensing voter anger, National leader John Anderson has stepped up a campaign to win back crucial rural votes with a A$145 million four-year scheme focused on natural resource management and rural services.
Anderson was hoping his election blueprint would boost the Nationals who are in danger of losing up to seven of 15 seats in the looming election.
The government is currently clinging to power with a five seat majority in the 148-seat lower house of parliament.