Water policy
Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:13): (250) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Water. The federal water minister recently announced a deal brokered between basin states which includes voluntary buybacks to meet environmental water targets. All basin states except Victoria are on board. Minister, you continue to cite the socio-economic test to justify Victoria’s refusal to collaborate. This is despite the test being widely criticised, including by the Murray–Darling Basin Royal Commission, as impractical, unworkable and completely ignoring the impacts of failing to recover water. Minister, have you assessed the long-term social and economic implications for farming and regional communities across the basin if the system is left without sufficient environmental flows?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:13): I thank Dr Mansfield for her question, and Ms Shing will be delighted to provide an answer in detail to that.
Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:14): I thank the minister for passing on that question. This week I spoke with a Victorian farmer who wants to sell part of their entitlement to the Commonwealth, but the Victorian government refused the request based on their socio-economic test. Independent advice has determined that the socio-economic impact of the transfer would be inconsequential for the water market. In fact the farmer’s proposal intends to provide positive support for the regional economy, whilst the water returned will help to save native fish and waterbird populations – a win-win. Why do you continue to oppose proposals such as this?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:14): This is a very complex policy space with a lot of diverse opinions. Ms Shing is well placed to provide you with details in relation to Victoria’s strong and consistent position in relation to water policy.