What the 2026 Election Means for Rural Landowners
OPINION: The farm policy on the table this election, what it could mean for land, and why the market you're in today still matters most
President Colin Hurst says there is “really clear alignment” between ACT’s announcement and Federated Farmers’ priorities.
He points to support for new permitted activity standards, guaranteed flexible land use and protection of farmers’ private property rights.
Hurst says cutting red tape and unnecessary costs is the “recipe for success” for a growing economy, more jobs and higher wages.
He says Federated Farmers has a vision to double farm productivity, cut costs and improve the environment, and that ACT shares it.
“We’re never going to be able to tax or regulate our way to a higher standard of living as a country, but with the right settings, we might just be able to farm our way there,” Hurst says.
He says many ACT policies build on the Government’s resource management reforms while addressing farmers’ concerns.
Wilding Pines
Federated Farmers conservation spokesperson Richard Dawkins is also backing ACT’s policy to eradicate wilding pines and control pests across public and private land.
"We’re particularly pleased to see ACT making a firm commitment for long-term funding to help eradicate wilding pines from our unique natural landscapes," Dawkins says.
"This has been a strong advocacy focus for Federated Farmers over the last year, with the Government announcing $110 million to help urgently address the issue.
"Unfortunately, that funding was only for a four-year work programme - but wilding pines are a much longer-term challenge that requires certainty of funding."
Pest Control and DOC
Federated Farmers is also welcoming somewhat of a ‘course correction’ in ACT’s pest control policy after firm criticism from farmers in recent months.
"We were highly critical of the ACT Party policy released in July, which would have given too much power to the Game Animal Council.
"We’re pleased to see ACT has now made a commitment that DOC will be directed to coordinate pest control across public and private land, reducing the burden on individual farmers.
"We firmly believe DOC and MPI are best placed to coordinate pest control, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and the new government on pest management in the new year."
