Senate inquiry into property rights

9 February 2010 Senate inquiry into property rights

The Liberal and National Parties have moved to establish a Senate inquiry to examine the erosion of property rights, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today.

The Senate's Finance and Public Administration Committee will inquire into laws affecting landholders, including the Rudd Labor Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and the impact these laws have on property owners.

"While proper planning and vegetation laws are necessary, there are many cases where people are no longer able to earn an income from their land due to State Government controls," Mr Truss said.

"These restrictions have resulted in the devaluation of land and caused loss of income, without any compensation being paid. A better balance between sustainable land management and the environment needs to be identified.

"Wide Bay's Biggest Survey found that 80% of respondents thought that property rights should be afforded greater protection.

"This inquiry provides everyone with an opportunity to have their say on the impact of laws and regulations on their property and how the environment can be sustained," Mr Truss said.

Information on the inquiry can be found on the website www.aph.gov.au/Senate. Submissions should be received by 5 March 2010 and the inquiry will report on 30 April 2010.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

(1) The impact of native vegetation laws and legislated greenhouse gas abatement measures on landholders, including:
(a) any diminution of land asset value and productivity as a result of such laws;
(b) compensation arrangements to landholders resulting from the imposition of such laws;
(c) the appropriateness of the method of calculation of asset value in the determination of compensation arrangements; and
(d) any other related matter.
(2) in conducting this inquiry, the committee must also examine the impact of the Government's proposed Carbon pollution Reduction Scheme and the range of measures related to climate change announced by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Abbott) on 2 February 2010.

Permanent Link: Senate inquiry into property rights
Publish Date: 09 Feb 10