Senate debates

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Murray-Darling River System

4:01 pm

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Minchin, Bernardi, Birmingham, Ferguson and Fisher, move:

That there be laid on the table, no later than noon on Thursday, 28 August 2008, the ‘urgent advice’ prepared for the Minister for Climate Change and Water by her department as requested on 18 June 2008 on ‘what we can do in the short-term’ to address the dire situation confronting the Coorong and Lower Lakes in South Australia.

4:02 pm

Photo of Jan McLucasJan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—The government’s opposition to the motion is on the basis of extensive precedent, including that of the previous government where advice to government of a similar nature—that is, for the purpose of the government’s deliberative processes—has not been provided on the order of the Senate. However, the minister is mindful of the deep concern about the future of the Lower Lakes and the Coorong, which is why she has already provided extensive information on the challenges for the Lower Lakes and the Coorong and why she has given strong consideration to what further material can be released in the public interest.

Question agreed to.