Photo: Tony Abbott has been forced to clarify his comments on CSG exploration rights. (AAP Supplied)
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has sought to clarify his comments about farmers having the right to refuse coal seam gas miners access to their land, now saying it is a matter for the states.
Under law, minerals on private property are owned by the Crown and landholders are required to allow mining companies access for exploration or mining. The states administer the laws and glean royalties from mining.
In a radio interview on Friday Mr Abbott said: "If you don't want something to happen on your land, you ought to have a right to say no."
The remarks were seen as risking the perception that Mr Abbott was putting the interests of farmers ahead of those of an industry sector the Coalition strongly supports - mining.
ABC News
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