Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, in answer to the senator's question relating to Peter Harris, I would certainly want to check that and not assume that is the same Peter Harris, but I am certainly very happy to do so for the senator. Secondly, it is entirely unsurprising that I was photographed in 2012 with National Party ministers. At the outset, reject any assertion of impropriety by National Party ministers. I would also note around these issues of water that, as recently as June this year, all basin states—including South Australia—agreed to the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin plan. Now, I am aware—as I suspect everybody is around this chamber—of the allegations that were raised in the Four Corners program.

Firstly, noncompliance will not be tolerated. Nobody condones theft. People who act illegally should face the full force of the law.

I also point out that these are, indeed, allegations. While I note Senator Bernardi's interest in this issue, I don't think we should be driven in our response by reports in The Daily Telegraph. Therefore, the New South Wales government and the Commonwealth have taken very measured and considered steps to respond to these allegations. Firstly, the Commonwealth has instigated a Murray-Darling Basin Authority review of compliance regimes, which we very recently put in place in response to these allegations. I also note that the New South Wales government has instigated an inquiry, headed up by Ken Matthews AO, whom I think everybody in the chamber would respect, not only for his public service but also in his role, under the then Labor government, heading up the National Water Commission. As well, there are three members on that committee who have ICAC experience, indicating the depth of response to this issue.