Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard answers to questions asked of me by Senators Joyce and Birmingham regarding the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

Leave granted.

The answers read as follows—

In response to the question by Senator Joyce, “Can the Minister confirm that the Labor Government has spent $100m in departmental expenses for the MDBA on a report that its own advice said was premised on a false premise?”

The MDBA has been funded $42.8 million in 2009-10 and 2010-11 for its Basin plan functions.

In response to the questions from Senator Birmingham

I am advised by the Minister’s office that the records show the minister first met with Mike Taylor, Chair of the Authority, on the 6 October 2010.

I am advised the minister sought legal advice from the Australian Government Solicitor on dealing with social and economic issues under the Water Act 2007 (the Water Act) on 14 October.

This advice was released publicly and tabled on 25 October.

Minister Burke’s office is unaware as to whether this was raised with Minister Wong.