Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:27): It is a privilege to make my first statement to the chamber as Minister for Water. I take this opportunity right at the start to make crystal clear our government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the communities of the Murray–Darling Basin. I acknowledge the enormous efforts of the immediate former Minister for Water Harriet Shing and her fierce advocacy for Victorian communities. I will continue this fight because we know what is at stake. Water plays an essential role in the health, prosperity and identity of our basin communities. Northern Victoria accounts for 90 per cent of Victoria’s grapes, fruit and nuts and around 30 per cent of the state’s dairy and vegetable production. The Goulburn–Murray irrigation district is the largest irrigation district in Australia, home to thousands of farm businesses and connected industries that provide employment and services across the region. There may have been a change in minister, but there is no change in Victoria’s position. We are committed to the objectives of the basin plan. We oppose untargeted, non-strategic buybacks. We will always put Victoria first, and we will continue to stand up to the Commonwealth regardless of what party is in power. Victoria’s position is set out in the strongest possible terms in our prospectus, and that will be the position that I advocate as minister. It is contained in this booklet. If you have not read it, I urge you to read it. The language is very strong, and it is very articulate in terms of those that are of this ilk in support of the government’s position. Victoria’s position is set out in the strongest possible terms, and we will continue to push it. Large-scale, untargeted, open-tender water purchase programs expose our northern Victorian communities to risk. As Minister for Water, I will continue to keep the fight up.

The PRESIDENT: I remind members that the use of props is against the standing orders.