Pastoralists in Western Australia are labelling the state government’s proposed changes to pastoral leases “anti-agriculture” and a move to push smaller, family-run operations off the land. – reported at www.abc.net.au

The WA Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage wants to “modernise” the terms of pastoral leases to include types of mandatory insurance and clauses to indemnify the state from potential costs.

It has also flagged future potential native title payments.