The release of the Parliamentary committee’s report into proposed vegetation management laws has been met with anger, bitter disappointment, frustration and sheer disbelief from Queensland farmers.
The fact Labor MPs on the committee recommended the laws be passed without a single change is a slap in the face for farming families who took the time to have their say and travel vast distances to give evidence.
There were thousands of click and flick submissions from supporters of the laws, whereas the nearly 1000 submissions from rural landholders were heartfelt and personal accounts outlining how the laws would affect their lives and livelihoods.
Rural landholders’ submissions were often also quite substantive, fact-based and explained in detail what farmers need to do to look after their land and animals, and produce the high-quality food and fibre consumers demand.
The fact Labor MPs on the committee ignored farmers’ impassioned pleas and well-crafted submissions shows how completely wedded they are to political agendas and how far removed they are from the realities of life on the land.
My phone has been running hot since the release of this report with members understandably feeling extremely upset and fearful for their future and that of their children.
Farmers have had enough. It doesn’t have to be like this.
The Palaszczuk government can and should be working with farmers on a long-lasting solution that provides good outcomes for agriculture and the environment without strangling farmers in red tape.
Next Tuesday, May 1, will be a pivotal moment for our industry.
AgForce is determined to keep fighting for fair and balanced vegetation management laws and we urge you to stand with us.
We want as many farmers and supporters of agriculture as possible to join us for a rally outside Parliament House in George Street gathering from 8.15am and concluding before Parliament starts at 9.30am.
Apathy and resignation won’t cut it. We need to maintain our resolve and send a strong, united message to the state’s politicians that they can and must come up with a better answer to an issue that’s been divisive for two decades.
Queensland’s future depends on it.
