Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is my pleasure to speak on the report by the Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport on the Coorong and Lower Lakes situation. I speak in light of the remarks that were made by fellow senators in relation to the report, which was tabled earlier this week. This report is critical to my home state of South Australia. Senator Fisher, who is in the chamber, has already made a strong contribution on this. The government’s stance on this report conflicted with the stances taken by the senators of the coalition and the Greens, and also Senator Xenophon, who participated in the inquiry and offered comments at the end. Unfortunately, it seems the government has waved the white flag on the future of the Lower Lakes. The government is unwilling to commit to saving those lakes through to the end of next year.