Labor’s vegetation laws will decimate graziers: Katter

THE Labor Party has come under fire for its Vegetation Management Laws.

State Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter has urged members to cross the floor and vote against the proposed laws.

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Develop- ment Committee recommended the Labor Government’s proposed new laws be passed.

Mr Katter said the laws would decimate graziers in North Queensland and there would be huge consequences for regional economies.

“I don’t understand how a committee can, in all good conscience, dismiss the thousands of protesters who at- tended the public meetings and the opinions of industry, the legal fraternity and First Australians who have all spoken out against these new laws,” he said.

“There are 11 Labor MPs who represent regional seats and their communities and economies rely heavily on agriculture. They should be extremely concerned come the next election be- cause regional Queensland will not forget what the Labor Party has done.”

Liberal National Party Shadow Minister for North Queensland Dale Last said the process had failed farmers, their families and farming communities throughout Queensland.

A public hearing on the proposed laws was held in Townsville, as well as a protest.