founded in 2026

About FLAG

The Farmers and Landowners Action Group (FLAG) is an independent, grassroots organisation representing farmers, landowners and rural communities across Tasmania.

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FLAG was formed after Tasmanian landowners raised serious concerns about the operations of the Forest Practices Authority and increasingly large fines imposed on family farming businesses and reports of flawed investigations.

While individual circumstances differed, a common concern emerged: the people who own, work and care for the land were not always being adequately heard in decisions that directly affected them.

FLAG was established to change that. We shared their experiences and advocate for regulation that is fair, transparent and consistent.

Our approach is constructive. We work closely with TasFarmers, Tasmania’s leading farm advocacy organisation.

Responsible environmental stewardship and productive land management can coexist and good policy should recognise both.

FLAG is not aligned with any political party. We work with people from across the political spectrum and will support good policy wherever it comes from.

Our Demands

  • 1. Independent Inquiry into FPA

    FLAG is calling for a genuinely independent inquiry into the FPA, its investigation processes, decision-making and enforcement practices, because the concerns raised by farmers and landowners go well beyond individual cases and require proper external scrutiny.

  • 2. Clear and Understandable Rules

    FLAG wants environmental and land-use rules that are clear, practical and easy to understand, so farmers can confidently know what they can and cannot do on their own land eg maintaining boundary fences-lines.

  • 3. Equal Treatment for Farmers

    FLAG believes it is a clear double standard for farmers and private landowners to face heavy fines, prosecution and restrictions for clearing or developing land, while government infrastructure projects can undertake similar works under exemptions or different rules.

  • 4. Fair and Transparent Enforcement

    FLAG wants environmental laws to be enforced fairly, consistently and transparently. A regulator should be held to at least the same standard of accountability, transparency and conduct as the people it regulates.

  • 5. Fair Compensation for Public Benefit

    Farmers should not be expected to carry the financial burden of environmental policies made for the wider public good. If government requires private land to be protected, locked up or taken out of production for public environmental benefit, the landowner should be fairly compensated.

  • 6. Fair Notice Before Entering Private Farms

    FLAG wants the FPA’s current right to enter private farms without notice to be removed. Except in genuine emergencies, officers should give reasonable notice and explain the purpose of the visit. They must comply with the farm’s biosecurity, safety and induction requirements before entering the property.

  • 7. Fairer Threatened Species Rules

    FLAG wants a review of how threatened species rules are being applied to farms. Decisions should not be based on words such as “potential”, “possible” or “may”, or on broad discretionary judgement, where there is little clear evidence of an actual threatened species or habitat impact.

who we are

Our Group

FLAG is led by Tasmanian farmers and landowners who understand firsthand the realities of owning, working and managing rural land. Lindsay White represents FLAG publicly and works with members to advocate for fair, practical reform.

FLAG works closely with TasFarmers and values its support in raising our concerns with government. We share common concerns and TasFarmers has worked alongside FLAG in meetings with government and in advocating for sensible reform.

CONTACT

info@flagtasmania.com

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