After failing to debate controversial reef laws when Parliament sat in North Queensland, Labor has used its majority to guillotine debate and ram through flawed legislation in Brisbane today.
Labor prevented several speakers from having their say and LNP Shadow Environment Minister David Crisafulli was prevented from putting forward three sensible amendments, which would have provided certainty for the environment and farming communities.
The LNP’s amendments to the Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 were to:
“A good government would support jobs and preserve the reef – it doesn’t have to be one or the other,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has handed over decision-making power to set farming standards to a bureaucrat in Brisbane and are now asking communities to trust them after shutting them out of debate less than two weeks ago in Townsville.
“The LNP shares the concerns of many that Labor’s laws create uncertainty.
“The LNP is proud of Queensland farmers and the incredible work they are doing to preserve the environment and believe the best way to continue to improve is for the government to work with them, instead of against them.
“Famers embracing positive, industry-led practices and funding projects that contribute to the protection of the environment is a better solution than handing over power to someone hundreds of kilometres away.
“The LNP believe the role of government should be to work alongside farmers and communities toward environmental outcomes instead of ramming unworkable laws down their throats.
“Labor’s laws also grant powers to the government to demand farmers’ data.
“Labor’s five-year reef law concession is a complete con with details of the new farm regulations still under lock and key.
“Promising no further changes to regulations Queenslanders still haven’t seen is an appalling way to treat the public and a kick in the guts to farmers.
“The LNP will continue to fight tooth and nail for sensible laws that back jobs and protect the environment.”
*Link to AgForce media release: Farmers hit by drought, flood and fire – and an uncaring State Govt
*Link to Canegrowers media release: Blaming farmers is wrong tactic for reef
