(and where are you Prime Minister?)

The New South Wales Labor Government is held fully accountable for forcing situations like that now facing Cooma district farmer Peter Spencer, according to The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

Senator Williams, The Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce  and State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries attended today's rally in support of Mr.Spencer in Canberra.

He said of first concern is Mr.Spencer's health, and again urged him to end his hunger strike which started on the 28^th of November.

"To fight this issue, we need a fit and healthy Peter Spencer because his plight has galvanised Australians from all walks of life – except the Prime Minister.

The land clearing vegetation management laws were announced in October, 2003 by Premier Bob Carr.

It has always been my belief that if there are restrictions placed on land use which affects a farmer's ability to produce income from that land, they should be compensated.  This is fair and just.

Mr.Rudd claims to care for all Australians. He could start by spending some time in his own country and travelling to Peter Spencer's property to talk to him in the hope of getting him to end his protest.

He should then ask the New South Wales Government to order an independent review of Peter Spencer's land clearing application, and at the same time review the native vegetation laws that are a millstone around farmers necks", Senator Williams said.