RIGHT TO FARM BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (16:11): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to ensure that properly conducted farming activities are adequately dealt with under planning and development laws and are given protection from certain liability; and to make related amendments to the Development Act 1993, the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (16:12): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This bill essentially focuses on the right to farm. I will refer honourable members to previous comments on the Environment Protection (Right to Farm) Amendment Bill tabled twice and passed once by this chamber. I acknowledge support of the Liberal Party and other colleagues with respect to previous initiatives. This bill is entitled 'Right to Farm' because it has additional elements, (1) clarifying immunity from liability and prosecution for farmers engaged in normal farming activities and (2) requiring right to farm principles to be enshrined in development plans through a consultation process.

This is a bill I believe is very important to the state's future, particularly now supported by the government's commitment in the Governor's speech to ensure that we capitalise on food production, food sustainability and the economic growth that concurs with those initiatives. I seek leave to conclude my remarks.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.