Land clearing laws need investigating

The NSW Farmers’ Association is renewing calls for a Royal Commission into the science behind climate change in light of Monaro farmer Peter Spencer’s hunger strike.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Charles Armstrong said “the Association understands Mr Spencer’s concerns and frustrations about land clearing laws, and these relate directly to Australia’s action on climate change.

” The Government has acknowledged that the ban on the development of farming land enabled Australia to achieve its carbon reduction targets.

“This ban has directly affected people such as Mr Spencer,” he said. “The Association has continued to call for a proper investigation into Australia’s response to climate change, as well as looking at whether the activities of mankind are responsible for causing any change.

“The failure of Copenhagen gives us another excellent chance to do this, and the Association is keen to see any Royal Commission extended to include Peter Spencer’s concerns,” he said.

The NSW Farmers’ Association financially supported Mr Spencer through the National Farmers’ Federation and the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund in his legal action on this issue

. “His concerns need to be addressed, and as such the Association is joining calls for a Royal Commission which can explore these and related issues fully,” Mr Armstrong said.