The Government is cheating farmers out of having their say on legislation that will attack property rights, ACT MP Penny
Webster said today.
“When public submissions were invited, the Electricity Industry Bill was deceptively portrayed as bland and harmless.
The seriously adverse effects for landowners were not mentioned in advertisements.
“Farmers can now see that this legislation would be a vicious assault on their property rights.
“It will make landowners responsible for the power lines running through their property, and that is patently unfair.
“Because this Bill will affect so many people, and because original advertisements were misleading, the Government must
re-open public submissions.
“By refusing to do so, Mr Cunliffe – Chairperson of the Commerce Committee – is inviting farmers to take matters into
their own hands. Farmers are threatening to close their gates to lines companies, and in some cases, dismantle power
pylons.
“What farmers want – and what Mr Cunliffe refuses to provide them – is natural justice.”
Ends