National body does not accept Coalition assurances that farmers would be able to challenge government approval of major projects
The National Farmers’ Federation has added its voice to the chorus of opposition to the government’s so-called “lawfare” amendments, rejecting the Coalition’s claims that farmers would not be caught by the new restrictions on who can take court cases to test government approval of major projects.
Tony Abbott announced the changes after the federal court overturned approval for Adani’s proposed $16bn Carmichael coal mine in Queensland because the environment minister, Greg Hunt, had not properly considered its impact on two endangered species – delaying the project for a few weeks. The government said the changes were necessary to stop green “vigilantists” from undertaking “economic sabotage” or “lawfare”.
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Source: Guardian Environment