The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) says it “vehemently opposes” the Greens’ proposal to remove continuing use provisions and ban native forestry in exchange for passing the Albanese Government’s Nature Positive bills.

NFF Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas slammed the proposal as a dangerous overreach that threatens the viability of Australian agriculture.

“This ill-conceived plan from the Greens demonstrates a profound lack of understanding about landscape management and the realities of farming in Australia,” Mr Thomas said.

“Removing the continuing use provisions would bring agriculture to a grinding halt, subjecting every routine farm action to a complex and lengthy approval process.”

The NFF explained that the Greens’ proposal on continuing use would:

• create an unworkable regulatory burden for farmers;
• ignore the existing robust state-level regulations on land management; and,
• overwhelm the Commonwealth’s capacity to process assessments and approvals.

The NFF also warned that a ban on native timber harvesting should not be entertained.

“The Greens’ attempt to strike down an entire industry through hasty amendments is just irresponsible politicking,” Mr Thomas emphasised.

“Regional Forest Agreements are the result of careful, comprehensive processes that balance conservation with sustainable resource use.”

The NFF said the proposal on native forestry would:

• disregard the role of active forest management in maintaining forest health, achieving climate outcomes and managing fuel loads;
• threaten Australia’s timber self-sufficiency, which is already under pressure; and,
• contradict the Government’s repeated commitment to support the forestry sector and jobs it creates.

“Every farmer should be alarmed that these proposals are even being floated,” Mr Thomas warned.

“This is not a matter to be resolved through press releases at dawn. It requires thorough engagement with affected sectors and comprehensive analysis.”

The NFF is calling on the Albanese Government to categorically reject the Greens’ proposal and reaffirm its commitment to sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.

“We urge Minister Plibersek to hold the line and honour the Government’s commitments to our sectors.

“The future of Australian agriculture and our national food security depends on maintaining sensible, workable environmental regulations,” Mr Thomas said. 

Source: NFF