George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Once again, Senator Sterle, I have been asked a question about the statement of the National Farmers' Federation. I am familiar with what the President of the National Farmers' Federation, Mr Brett Finlay, has said in this regard. I actually know Mr Brett Finlay quite well and I have a very high regard for Mr Brett Finlay. But on this particular occasion the statement that he has made is wrong. Any farmer whose interests are affected by any environmental development by any decision of the Minister for the Environment, for which there is an avenue of review under the EPBC Act, will have their rights unaffected by repeal of section 487. If you have a cognisable legal interest in a decision, your right to challenge it is unaffected.