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

I, of course, can't comment on the evidence or proceedings of the South Australian royal commission in a detailed way, but I defend the integrity of Australian public servants who work for a range of organisations, including the department. I think staff employed under the Murray-Darling Basin Authority legislation do a remarkably good job for our Commonwealth and our nation.

The Greens have previously expressed support for the staff of the MDBA and the great work that they do. I do take the advice of the MDBA seriously, as does the government, and that is why we are fully implementing the basin plan. That's why the government has put aside $13 billion to help improve the environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin—while making sure we protect basin communities, and the jobs and investment that flow from them. That is why we are willing to assist the South Australian royal commission. But I will defend the integrity of the MDBA and the job they have been doing, which the government fully supports.