In a dramatic move that has sparked immediate controversy, the Albanese government has announced it will fast-track enforcement of new land clearing regulations to prevent what it fears could be a last-minute clearing frenzy by farmers.
Environment Minister Murray Watt revealed there would be no transition period for the contentious changes during a press conference in Canberra on Friday afternoon, citing concerns that any delay could lead to widespread vegetation destruction.
Immediate enforcement without consultation
The changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act passed the Senate this week following a late deal between Labor and the Greens. While most reforms will take effect from July 1 next year, the land clearing provisions will activate immediately after receiving Royal Assent in coming days.
Senator Watt defended the accelerated timeline, stating that "people need to know that if they break the law, we will be cracking down on that." He expressed concern about allowing "too much of a gap between us having announced that there will be these changes to land clearing and implementing them."
The minister confirmed he had already directed his department to ensure compliance and enforcement teams were prepared to implement the new laws without delay.
What the new laws change for farmers
The reforms introduce several significant changes for agricultural land management:
- High-risk farm land clearing will fall under federal EPBC Act regulation for the first time
- The long-standing "continued use" provision that allowed clearing of regrowth vegetation over 15 years old without federal scrutiny will be eliminated
- Removing vegetation within 50 metres of rivers and creeks in the Great Barrier Reef catchment will now require assessment
- Native forest logging operations will become subject to national standards after an 18-month transition
Senator Watt emphasized that "it does not mean that farmers cannot clear their land," but they will need to seek EPBC assessment and approval if clearing might impact nationally protected environmental matters. He compared the requirements to those already faced by mining companies, wind farm developers, and housing developers.
Agricultural sector reaction and concerns
The immediate enforcement has drawn fierce criticism from farming representatives and political opponents. The National Farmers' Federation described the removal of the continued use exemption as "bitterly disappointing" and expressed concerns about additional regulatory layers.
Queensland Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett went further, calling the changes a "direct attack" on farmers, landholders, and regional communities. He revealed he had attempted to contact Senator Watt to discuss the proposed alterations but claimed there had been no consultation prior to the legislation passing.
Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Senator Watt of "demonising farmers for cheap political points" and warned that the changes would make it harder for farmers to manage their land effectively, potentially increasing bushfire risks and promoting poor environmental outcomes.
The new legislation establishes substantial penalties for violations, including:
- Fines of up to $825 million for corporations, or a percentage of revenue based on damage caused
- Maximum civil penalties for individuals of $1.65 million or three times the benefit obtained
According to Queensland government data, the state saw extensive clearing under the previous rules, with more than 320,000 hectares cleared in 2022-23, 85 percent of which involved trees more than 15 years old.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between environmental protection and agricultural productivity in Australia, with the government arguing it is leveling the playing field across industries while farmers contend they face unique challenges that require flexible land management options.
