Following Peter Spencer’s 52 day hunger strike protesting against his treatment under native vegetation legislation a rally will be held at Parliament House, Canberra on Tuesday, February 2.

The date of the rally coincides with the first sitting day of Federal Parliament for 2010 and will highlight the importance of property rights across a range of areas including native vegetation, water and mining as well as ‘just terms’ compensation.

The NSW Farmers’ Association will have a strong presence at the rally and is encouraging its members to attend.

Association president Charles Armstrong said last week the association wouldn't let the issues highlighted by Mr Spencer’s protest rest.

“The association understands the frustration many farmers feel in the face of Governments making ill considered decisions about what we can or can’t do on our own land,” Mr Armstrong said.

“This is particularly distressing when there is little recognition of the impacts, including farm losses, of these decisions.

“This is an issue that the association has worked long and hard on, and one that we are committed to for as long as it takes to see real change,” he said.

The Association is continuing its call for a Royal Commission into the science behind Government policies on climate change.

Mr Armstrong said it was also continuing to support its members through legal opinions on various laws and initiating or supporting particular actions in court.

“The NSW Farmers’ Association with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund supported Mr Spencer financially in his legal action on this issue, some of which is ongoing,” he said.

“The association is constantly engaged with politicians and policy makers in fighting to ensure farmers property rights are protected, and our contribution to food and fibre security, sustainability and a healthy environment is recognised.

“Peter Spencer has made his point clearly, and we sincerely hope that he will now recover his health fully.

“The issues he has highlighted in relation to property rights is one being felt right across the agricultural sector, and the complex legal and political issues involved will continue to be addressed by the NSW Farmers’ Association, in conjunction with the NFF,” he concluded.

* More information on the rally will be available in coming days from www.nswfarmers.org.au