THE Palaszczuk Government has revived draconian reverse of proof laws as part of its new vegetation management laws which were introduced to parliament last night.
The laws mean that farmers would be guilty until proven innocent if charged with breaching the Vegetation Management Act.
AgForce president Grant Maudsley said the reverse of proof laws were a direct affront to the rights and liberties of farmers.
“These laws relegate farmers clearing vegetation to a level below that of criminals, where they are denied common justice under Section 24 of the Criminal Code: Mistake of fact,” Mr Maudsley said.
“In Queensland not only are farmers presumed guilty until they are proven innocent, but they are refused the possibility of making a mistake.”
The Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) Admendment Bill will now be scrutinised by the Agriculture, Resources and Environment Committee which will report back to parliament on June 30. Labor had wanted that report delivered by April 15.
