“Grown men reduced to tears”: the laws pushing farmers to the brink
Mar 19, 2026 •
Brett Hosking is a fifth-generation grain and livestock farmer, and has seen his fair share of heartache and hard times.
But this time, it’s not a natural disaster or a foreign war that’s threatening to tip farmers over the edge, but a decision from the Victorian government.
The state has passed new compulsory acquisition laws which make it easier for energy companies to acquire farmers’ land and build transmission lines and renewable energy projects on it.
Today, Victorian Farmers Federation President, Brett Hosking, on why the government’s push to roll out renewables and transition lines in rural Australia has left farmers feeling devastated and disrespected.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
“Grown men reduced to tears”: the laws pushing farmers to the brink
1853 • Mar 19, 2026
“Grown men reduced to tears”: the laws pushing farmers to the brink
Brett Hosking is a fifth-generation grain and livestock farmer, and has seen his fair share of heartache and hard times.
But this time, it’s not a natural disaster or a foreign war that’s threatening to tip farmers over the edge, but a decision from the Victorian government.
The state has passed new compulsory acquisition laws which make it easier for energy companies to acquire farmers’ land and build transmission lines and renewable energy projects on it.
Today, Victorian Farmers Federation President, Brett Hosking, on why the government’s push to roll out renewables and transition lines in rural Australia has left farmers feeling devastated and disrespected.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Brett Hosking, Victorian Farmers Federation President
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
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