'Vitriolic' ministers under fire

'It's not an isolated incident, just the worst of a range of incidents': Barnaby Joyce on Mr Turner's death. Photo: Marina Neil

The family of an NSW environment compliance officer killed in the line of duty, Glen Turner, has decried potential changes to land clearing laws and says itis "appalled" by a push to reduce penalties for impeding the work of those enforcing them.

In an emotional submission to an independent review of land clearing laws ordered by the state government, the Turner family also criticises the responses of senior Nationals MPs to Mr Turner's death in July after he was allegedly shot by Moree farmer Ian Turnbull, who has been charged with murder.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said the laws "have been a sore point in farming communities", while federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the shooting "is not an isolated incident, this is just the worst of a range of incidents".

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner. Photo: James Brickwood

Coffs Harbour MP Andrew Fraser said the "tragic" death was "brought about by bad legislation".

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The Turners say the comments "exhibited a degree of vitriol and contempt for existing law, that has no place in a tolerant democratic society".

"Given that this review into the vegetation laws was already under way and taking submissions, their comments were highly inappropriate, inexcusable and the source of great hurt to Glen's immediate and extended family, friends and associates," they say.

Shot dead: Glen Turner. Photo: Supplied

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'Vitriolic' ministers under fire