Opened the debate
Hanson argued that the government had passed reforms under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that removed the exemption for vegetation that had not been cleared in the last 15 years. Hanson stated that these changes prevented farmers from clearing idle land and could cost up to $140,000 for compliance. Hanson cited the National Farmers' Federation to claim that activist groups were using the reforms to launch campaigns against northern cattle producers. Hanson contended that the government was failing to provide clarity and was instead allowing city-based campaigners to dictate policy for regional Australia.