The Leader of the Opposition, Shane Love MLA, has strongly criticised the Cook Labor
Government over its handling of proposed changes to pastoral lease renewals, calling for an
immediate extension to the consultation period which closes on the 16th of December.
Mr. Love expressed deep concern that current pastoral leaseholders were not directly notified
about the proposed changes or made aware of advertised consultations and the opportunity to
submit feedback.
“I find it incredible that pastoralists were not directly advised of the proposed changes and
given every opportunity to contribute to what will directly impact them and their business.”
Mr Love said the draft lease conditions will have major implications for the pastoral sector,
particularly:
• Security and Duration of Leases.
• Native Title Compensation.
• Compensation for non-renewal of leases
• Insurance Requirements and Indemnity Clauses.
• No right provided to soil or timber.
“In order to plan long-term, implement sustainable agricultural practices, and raise finance,
pastoralists need security of tenure and long-term leases.” Mr Love said.
“The provisions around insurance and indemnity both present real issues for pastoralists.
Without a cap on the level of public liability insurance required, pastoralists are open to
exploitation by insurance companies, including the possibility of insurers refusing to offer
cover.”
Mr. Love highlighted that some pastoral properties might also include existing or old mining
tenements with contaminated sites, making it unfair to burden pastoralists with the indemnity
provision.
“Pastoralists can’t stop prospectors from accessing their property. Does this mean they are
liable for any accident or mishap that might occur on their station? It is unjust that
pastoralists—the leaseholders—are required to indemnify the state—the landlord,” Mr. Love
said.
“Furthermore, the requirement for pastoralists, as leaseholders, to carry the compensation
liability to native title parties is unreasonable,” Mr. Love continued.
“The Cook Labor Government is trying to shift this cost to pastoralists when they renew their
leases, but the state owns the land and should retain the liability for native title
compensation.”
Mr. Love said that given the technical and legal nature of the proposals, additional time is
necessary to seek expert advice and engage meaningfully with the consultation documents.
“For this reason alone, it is appropriate that the deadline for submissions—presently listed as
16 December 2024—be extended by three months, and all pastoralists notified of the
consultation on the proposed changes,” he added.
“The proposed changes have the potential to reshape the pastoral industry. It is critical that the
consultation process allows for broad, inclusive, and thorough feedback to ensure the longterm viability of Western Australia’s pastoral industry.”
