saved up money and bought solar panels is now NOT going to be benefitting from their hard work.

You’re still welcome to consume your own solar power in the middle of the day, you don’t have to export it. Nobody is forcing you to export.

Export rates are a pittance precisely because there is excess supply in the middle of the day. If this arrangement actually succeeds in shifting some demand to those hours, then export rates for those with excess solar will go up.

If I buy something that means it’s mine. The government shouldn’t get to dictate how it gets used, that should be up to me

If you want to use your own power and not give it to the grid, then don't use a grid tie inverter. Get some batteries and only accept power from the grid, never feed back into it. If you're feeding into the communal system, expect the rules to not always be exactly what you want. Don't we all want people to use clean daytime solar power instead of dirty fossil fuel-based nighttime power?

You can still use it however you want. If you want to connect to others you can’t demand that they do as you please, though. Much like you wouldn’t want them to force you to do how they please.

The article said the government makes you give it away for free

You’re not giving it away. You still get a feed in rate. And if you installed a battery at the same time, you can avoid the peak charges that kick in after the solar peak has passed.