Sean Edwards (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Heffernan, as you quite rightly point out, there was probably a lot of water thieving in those days. I can only suspect. However, we did not get a chance to thieve water, because we were at the back end of the water system, so we got what was left over. As you are aware, we have been very efficient—probably the leaders in this country, if not the world, in our irrigation practices. I would like to think that the communities and governments upstream and across this basin will also come to recognise that when equity is short as to how this is administered from here on out.

The recommendations are clearly articulated. There is not time in this chamber to fully cover these areas, so I would encourage those listening to have a very good look at this report, because it will have a major impact going forward on this country.