The Hon. David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals, Media Release, 2 December 2025
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s rushed Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBCA) Act reforms are a confusing mess, with the Department unable to guarantee farmers won’t experience a financial loss due to the new changes.
Senate Estimates heard there is no understanding how the new laws interact with state legislation such as ‘category X’, or unregulated areas that allow land clearing in Queensland.
Despite the federal laws coming into effect on Monday, December 1, there was no industry consultation and there is no mapping for farmers to ensure they know what rules apply to their property.
Senate Estimates heard Environment Minister Murray Watt also didn’t seek formal advice from the Department or Acting Secretary Justine Saunders about the amendments he moved, before the laws were passed on the final sitting day of Parliament.
“Labor’s confusing and rushed EPBC Act reforms has resulted in farmers having their land rights stripped away from them and losing control of their own properties,” Mr Littleproud.
“The Senate Inquiry into land clearing was due to report in March next year but Minister Watt has rushed this, in a deal with the Greens which is all about winning inner city votes.
“Farmers are extremely concerned they are unintentionally breaking the law, with limited to no information to assist in making decisions. It has resulted in genuine fears farmers could get taken to court and be put out of business.
“In the meantime they have stopped work, sitting on equipment, and it’s costing them thousands of dollars.
“The Department has indicated there will be more information in coming days, but couldn’t outline what that information will detail. Farmers are very worried about the removal of the ‘lawful continuation of land use’ in relation to clearing vegetation.
“Minister Watt is demonising farmers for cheap political points and has sold out Australian farmers for these rushed, confusing and unnecessary land clearing laws.”
