Farmers rally in Canberra

Anne Thompson from Clunes and John Bryant from Wyrallah in Canberra.

Clunes farmer Anne Thompson was amongst the 3000 or so farmers that gathered in Canberra on Tuesday for the property rights rally.

“I’ve never seen so many Akubras and blue shirts in one place,” Anne said.

Busses were organised by the NSW Farmers Federation and people from as far a field as Bonalbo, Woodenbong and Wardell made their way to Grafton for the free bus, while others from the region made their own way down.

The farmers are protesting against laws that prevent them from clearing on their own land and carries on from the momentum that hunger striking farmer Peter Spencer gathered around the issue.

Maverick Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce addressed the crowd, as did broadcaster Alan Jones who arrived by helicopter, and Opposition leader Tony Abbott.

“It was fantastic that Tony Abbott came over; he was supportive of what we were about, it’s about time he showed his colours,” Anne said.

Anne said Peter Spencer had pledged to come and speak to groups around the country to keep the momentum going.

“There are still so many people out there who have no idea what is happening,” she said.