Funding restrictions for projects affecting high-productivity agricultural land

Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026

Private Member's Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

Introduced by: Alison Penfold (NAT)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Commonwealth cannot fund projects that lower the farming productivity of Tier 1 land; it cannot fund projects that let foreign corporations control Tier 1 land
The Commonwealth cannot fund projects that let foreign governments or state-owned corporations control Tier 2 land
Funding for projects that lower Tier 2 land productivity is banned unless the entity promises to restore productivity; it must also create agricultural land offsets within 25km
Entities that lower Tier 2 land productivity must provide a refundable bond to ensure restoration
The Commonwealth cannot fund projects that force farmers off Tier 2 or 3 land unless the entity provides relocation assistance
Project proponents must publish a social licence report on community consultation and local benefits for projects affecting Tier 2 or 3 land
The Agriculture Commissioner must disclose any conflicts of interest in writing; failure to do so can lead to firing
The Commonwealth must pay reasonable compensation if it acquires property

News articles and press releases