New Charter a step forward, but famers call for stronger commitment

TasFarmers has welcomed the release of the revised government Charter for Access to Farm Land, marking an important step forward in strengthening the rights of landowners and setting expectations for third parties seeking access to privately owned farming land.

The updated Charter, developed by the Tasmanian Government, includes several Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) as signatories and, and references the TasFarmers Farm Access Code as a best practice guide.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the modernisation of the Charter was long overdue.

“The Charter has been out of date for years, so we’re pleased to see it finally updated with clearer expectations and stronger alignment to our industry-led Farm Access Code,” Mr Calman said.

“It gives producers a level of confidence that their rights are being recognised when third parties, be it contractors, utilities, or consultants, who seek to do business on land they don’t own.”

However, TasFarmers is calling for the Charter to go further.

“At the moment, becoming a signatory is voluntary,” Mr Calman said.

“If we’re serious about safeguarding landholder rights and setting clear expectations, this should be a requirement, not a choice. Government can and should lead by example by mandating that all GBES become signatories to the Charter.”

The Charter, in combination with TasFarmers’ Farm Access Code, aims to foster respectful, transparent, and lawful engagement between landholders and external parties. TasFarmers will continue to advocate on behalf of members for the charters to be adopted across all GBE's.