The Leader of the Opposition, Shane Love MLA, has welcomed the Cook Labor Government’s
decision to extend the consultation period for changes to pastoral lease renewals until 30 April
2025, calling it a small win for pastoralists.
However, Mr Love warns that more work is needed to ensure the Government does not ram
through wholesale changes that could have major implications for the pastoral sector.
Today’s extension follows sustained pressure from Mr Love, who has been lobbying the
Minister for Lands to provide leaseholders with more time to deliver considered feedback.
“I was deeply concerned that current leaseholders had not been directly notified about the
proposed changes or made aware of advertised consultations and the opportunity to provide
feedback,” Mr Love said.
“It is staggering that pastoralists were left in the dark on a matter that directly impacts their
livelihoods and the future of pastoral operations across the state.
Extending the consultation period is a step in the right direction, but the Government must now
ensure all pastoralists are properly informed and supported to provide meaningful input.”
Mr Love has called on the Cook Labor Government to provide greater clarification on key areas
of concern, particularly:
• Security and duration of leases
• Native Title compensation
• Compensation for non-renewal of leases
• Insurance requirements and indemnity clauses
• Restrictions on rights to soil or timber
“For pastoralists to plan long-term, implement sustainable agricultural practices, and secure
finance, they need certainty through security of tenure and long-term leases,” Mr Love said.
In particular, Mr Love criticised the Cook Labor Government for attempting to shift the liability
for Native Title compensation onto pastoralists.
“The state owns the land and must retain responsibility for Native Title compensation. Forcing
this cost onto leaseholders is completely unreasonable,” Mr Love said.
“I’m very pleased to have secured an extension to the consultation period, and I now urge all
pastoralists and those with a stake in the pastoral industry to review the proposed changes and
submit their feedback by 30 April 2025.”
