Farmer ends 52-day hunger strike

New South Wales farmer Peter Spencer is on his way to hospital in Cooma after giving up his hunger strike after 52 days.

The 62-year-old was this afternoon winched down in a harness from the wind tower that has been his home since November.

Mr Spencer staged his protest over native vegetation laws that prevented him clearing his land.

He says he will continue to fight for a Royal Commission into land clearing laws and compensation for farmers.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he is pleased Mr Spencer has decided to end his hunger strike.

“He’s made his point. It was a point that needed to be made,” Mr Abbott said.

“I think he’s certainly highlighted the failures of the Labor Government, both here in NSW and federally, to deal with this issue.”

He has, and so he should have. They should allow him to clear his land so he can grow crops. Better yet, if it’s native, get the plants, plant them somewhere else out of the way.