Controversial bill to ban farmers from harvesting on high-risk fire days likely to be scrapped

A Parliamentary inquiry into the State Government’s controversial harvesting ban bill is expected to recommend scrapping plans to give senior CFS volunteers the authority to stop farming activities if they believe it could spark a fire.

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A parliamentary inquiry into the State Government's controversial harvesting ban bill has recommended scrapping plans to give senior CFS volunteers the authority to stop farming activities if they believe it could spark a fire.

A select committee formed to investigate the proposed laws has instead recommended that power be given to SA Police officers.

It was one of 10 recommendations included in the committee’s final report into the matter, which was tabled in Parliament today.

The mooted legislation, which was introduced into Parliament in November, was met with resistance from CFS members, councils and farmers after it was revealed it would give CFS officers authority to “direct the cessation of harvesting or any other actions that due to weather conditions may cause a fire, if ignited, to get out of control”.
The bill aimed to protect communities by stopping rare instances of irresponsible farming practices.
However, rural communities were worried about the potential backlash CFS officers may face from their local farming communities when enforcing the planned laws.
Other concerns included the impact the legislation could have on farmers’ livelihoods as well as fears the laws could drive senior CFS volunteers out of the organisation.
Select committee chair and Liberal MP Peter Treloar today told parliament the committee supported the introduction of new powers to stop the small number of rogue farmers undertaking risky activities.

“However, the committee shares the concerns of primary producers and CFS volunteers that the bill, as drafted, does not adequately explain how the proposed powers will be exercised and by whom,” he said.

Mr Treloar said the committee recommended that the extra authority to stop risky farming practices should be given to SA Police instead of CFS officers.

“The committee heard support for the South Australian police…having a lead role in exercising the proposed powers,” he said.

“Submitters and witnesses suggested that police involvement creates a more urgent type of peer pressure and that most community members are likely to respect police authority.

“One important rationale with providing SAPOL with the power to direct is related to their skills and experience in enforcing legislation.”

Among the other recommendations, the committee also suggested:

THE Government review existing community fire prevention initiatives and consider further developing local weather monitoring networks and SMS alert systems.

MENTAL health and other wellbeing support services available to communities affected by fire be reviewed.

Emergency services Minister Corey Wingard said all recommendations made by the committee would be “carefully considered”.

“This Bill is about protecting lives and property,” he said.

“The Marshall Government is committed to considering all the recommendations and ensuring any amendments to the Bill do just that.”

Opposition emergency services spokesman Lee Odenwalder said SA Police “should have been the starting point for any new law enforcement measures” from the outset because “it is their job”.

“This report makes it clear that Corey Wingard failed to consult properly with CFS volunteers, with primary producers and even with his own backbench, before introducing his new harvest ban laws,” he said.

“It is a further embarrassment for the minister, who must now wind back this proposal and make significant changes to his own laws.”