Opened the debate
Canavan argued that the bill addresses the critical issue of shrinking prime agricultural land by establishing a national mapping system to categorise farmland into three tiers. Canavan stated that Tier 1 land would be protected from any Commonwealth-funded projects that reduce farming productivity or allow foreign-controlled corporations to gain ownership. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 land, Canavan explained that development would only proceed if proponents met strict conditions, including providing financial bonds for land rehabilitation and securing genuine social licence from local communities. Canavan emphasised that the legislation creates an independent Agriculture Commissioner to oversee these processes and resolve disputes fairly, ensuring farmers are not displaced without adequate support. Canavan maintained that the bill prioritises long-term national food security over short-term political agendas and does not oppose development but rather ensures it respects agricultural viability.