Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

No, Senator Patrick, the Commonwealth government does not support that view. The response from the Commonwealth government to the allegations that have arisen has been a measured one. Of course, it's important to try to resolve these matters as soon as possible, given the time frame for the Basin Plan's conclusion. I note that some of these reviews have already produced interim reports, as in the case of the Ken Matthews review in New South Wales, and/or have reported back to the Commonwealth government, including the MDBA compliance review over the weekend. That's allowed timely information to come back to the Commonwealth government so it can take the action that is necessary to rectify the issues that have emerged. The Commonwealth government's view is that a royal commission in this area would not be fit for purpose to respond to the issues that have arisen and to make sure we keep on track with the Basin Plan.