[no bill text published] Funding restrictions for projects affecting Tier 1 and Tier 2 agricultural land

Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026 (No. 2)

Private Member's Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

Introduced by: Matthew Canavan (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 entities if it reduces 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 own or control Tier 2 land.
The Commonwealth cannot fund projects that reduce Tier 2 land productivity unless the entity promises to restore the land or provide offsets within 25 kilometres.
Entities that reduce Tier 2 land productivity must give the Commonwealth a refundable bond to secure restoration plans.
The Commonwealth cannot fund projects that force a farmer to leave their primary home unless the entity provides relocation assistance.
Project proponents must publish a social licence report on community benefits and consultation before the Commonwealth considers funding for Tier 2 land projects.
The Commonwealth cannot provide funding for Tier 2 land projects until a social licence report is published and validated by the Agriculture Commissioner.
The Commonwealth must pay reasonable compensation if it acquires a person's property.

News articles and press releases