Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I can understand why Senator Birmingham feels embarrassed because, of course, this is Mr Turnbull’s plan, supposedly, as well. He is essentially asking a question which invites the response, ‘Actually, it is the Liberal National Party in Queensland that is the only party prepared to talk about putting at risk the Murray-Darling agreement that was forged between the Prime Minister and the state premiers.’ I am aware of Mr Rann’s comments and I have made public comments about them. As I understand it, Mr Rann has indicated that he has asked a legal team to prepare a case. The Commonwealth’s position has been clear for some time. We believe it is in the best interests of the rivers and of irrigators for there to be an open water market, and we have been working to achieve that. That is an issue that has been discussed at COAG on a number of occasions. So the Commonwealth’s position in relation to the water market is clear. (Time expired)