The NSW Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, said the new Water Minister can act to save Murray Darling Basin towns by referring to his own legislation.
“Finally a Labor water minister has admitted the deficiencies in the government’s water policy,” she said.
“Tony Burke says he now wants to protect Murray Darling Basin communities from more cuts in water allocations.
“That’s the likely verdict in the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s forthcoming basin plan. A guide to the draft plan will be released on October 8.
“Yet, while Minister Burke ponders the future of Murray Darling Basin communities, he reaffirms Labor’s election promise to adopt the MDBA’s advice.
“Water security is how you can help stop the exodus of farmers and protect these communities.”
Senator Nash said the Minister can stop severe water cuts if he really wanted to.
“He doesn’t have to accept the MDBA’s advice or recommendations. In fact, the federal Water Act 2007 allows him to demand changes.”
The Water Act 2007 states:
Within 6 weeks after the Authority gives the Minister a version of the Basin Plan under subsection (2), the Minister:
(a) must consider that version of the Basin Plan and the views
given to the Minister under subsection (2); and
(b) must either:
(i) adopt, in writing, that version of the Basin Plan; or
(ii) direct the Authority, in writing, to make modifications
to that version of the Basin Plan and give it to the
Minister for adoption.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/ActCompilation1.nsf/0/D4A77BCBB6CA1181CA25777E001F9556/$file/WaterAct2007.pdf
“If Mr Burke genuinely wants to help MDB farming communities, he should refer to his own legislation,” Senator Nash said.
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