Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I move amendment on sheet 6031:

At the end of the motion, add: “and

        (a)    the question of the adequacy of water entitlements in relation to the proposed domestic offsets program [government amendments on [sheet BE218]), land use and land use change under the carbon pollution reduction scheme be referred to the Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 2 February 2010; and

        (b)    the committee consider draft regulations relating to this matter, which are to be provided to the committee by the Minister for Climate Change by 15 January 2009.”

This amendment would not have the effect of deferring consideration of these bills. This amendment arises out of the committee stages in terms of the concern as to the adequacy of water entitlements in the context of the domestic offsets program with respect to forestry, and I think my colleagues know my concern. I am sure all my colleagues share the concern about the adequacy of water entitlements generally and the plight of areas such as the Murray-Darling Basin in the context of water entitlements.