The Allan Labor Government has rammed legislation through state parliament that enables energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before environmental and planning approvals are completed.
The Energy and Other Legislation Amendment (Resilience Reforms and Other Matters) Bill 2026 has passed state parliament after Labor secured the support of the Greens, Animal Justice and Cannabis Party.
The Nationals’ Melina Bath has condemned the Allan Government and labelling its action a “land grab”
“Once again, Labor is running roughshod over farmers and country communities.
“The Nationals opposed the Bill on behalf of regional communities who feel sidelined by rushed process and Labor’s heavy handed transmission planning.
“No government should seize land before the independent Environment Effects Statement is finished.”
Ms Bath said the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) warned that Labor’s late amendment would bypass normal safeguards, expose taxpayers to compensation risks if routes change and further erode trust between government, power companies and host communities.
“The VFF’s stance reflects the deep concern of farming families across Victoria.
“Pathways to renewable energy must not come at the expense of the regional people who feed and clothe us.
“Farmers deserve transparency, farm by farm agricultural impact assessments, and genuine consultation before any transmission corridor is locked in.
“Regional Victoria needs fair, lawful and respectful infrastructure planning.
“Labor’s new laws put a bulldozer through due process, agricultural land and community voices.
“The Nationals will keep fighting for proper consultation, protection of prime agricultural land and a planning system that respects regional Victorians.”
