FLAG calls FPA review "nonsense"

The leading light behind a mass rally outside Parliament House last week has dismissed the Forest Practices Authority’s promise of a review into its operations as “nonsense”.

The Farmers and Landowners Action Group (FLAG) held the rally in protest against the FPA and other government organisations.

Following the rally the FPA announced it would commission a review of its investigation processes.

But FLAG founder Lindsay White said: “You can’t have an inquiry into your own department.

“It’s like having a game of football and only having one team playing.”

He wanted to see the FPA gone and said the organisation was not necessary.

 FLAG formed after William Farlie Fergusson was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to unauthorised tree clearing on his family’s Grindstone Bay farm near Triabunna.

Along with the estimated 1500 people who attended the rally, around 50 tractors were parked across the road at PW1, defying police orders not to travel to the event in a tractor.

“I was really impressed by the number of people that took the day off and came from their farms,” Mr White said. “That tells you there’s something about how disturbed they are by the rules and regulations.

“So many farmers were coming up and saying they’ve had issues with the FPA and others. We’ve got to stand united and push back against all the rules, regulations, and red and green tape.”

Since FLAG’s formation, the state government has said it will review forest practices regulations for farmers and landowners.

Following the rally, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said there would be an independent review into the FPA.

A few hours later, the FPA said it would also commission its own review.

FPA Chief Forest Practices Officer Anne Chuter said the FPA would be strengthening its engagement with landholders.

“We are working closely with TasFarmers to review and improve our communication materials so information about land clearing requirements is clear, practical and accessible.

“Second, we have commissioned an independent review of our investigation processes. 

“The review will examine whether these processes and our decision-making are appropriate, proportionate, transparent and consistent with community expectations. 

“Independence is critical to the credibility of this work, so the review will be conducted at arm’s length from both the FPA and the regulated community, while still providing opportunities for stakeholders to contribute their views and experiences.”

However, Mr White said: “We in the agricultural sector can look after our farms – we have done it for generations.

“We’ve got our rules and regulations, but the majority of farmers care deeply for their farm with a passion that no government bureaucrat is ever going to have because they live with it every day.”