Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Collins for her question. Senator Collins and others in this chamber may be aware that the challenge in the Murray-Darling Basin remains significant. A few days ago we were advised that monthly inflows into the Murray system have been below average for some 37 consecutive months, and we received a further reminder of what we are up against last week with the Bureau of Meteorology projecting a hotter than average summer in the Murray-Darling Basin. We on this side recognise the need to act for the future of the Murray-Darling Basin. Senator Collins would also be aware that, as part of that Rudd government’s long-term, $12.9 billion plan, Water for the Future, the Rudd government is investing $3.1 billion into purchasing water entitlements to improve river health, something those opposite never did. We are also investing $5.8 billion to make irrigation infrastructure more efficient.

As well as these major investments, we have secured a landmark agreement for long-term reform of the Murray-Darling which involves the referral of powers from the different states of the Commonwealth and which is currently underway through legislation in each state jurisdiction and also at the Commonwealth level. So far, I am happy to report that this legislation has passed through the parliaments of New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. But while we have senators in this place who are crying, frankly, crocodile tears for the Murray and calling for more urgent action—I am, of course, referring to those opposite—their colleagues are doing everything they can to hold up this crucial reform. The Liberal and National parties, not content with their record of presiding over a decade of decay in the Murray-Darling Basin, are now attempting to delay these reforms in the Victorian parliament. We know what the coalition is good at: inaction and delay.

They have orchestrated for the bill to be referred to an inquiry in the Victorian parliament, which may result in the bill not being able to pass through this Senate this year—which, of course, will delay yet again the basin’s reform program. This is consistent with the CV of the opposition when it comes to the Murray-Darling Basin: delay, division and inaction. I am concerned, I have to say, that the Greens in Victoria have also—