Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am sure Senator Abetz would not be bothered answering that last question about lobbying by the mining industry. What a silly question to pose on this particular bill. I wonder how that is relevant to bill—'Did someone lobby you about this?' That is a wonderful argument and so mature!

I just want to thank the minister for his last answer. What Australia desperately needs is a regulatory body that will look after specific assets like the Murray-Darling Basin. To suggest that New South Wales officials do not have an interest in the Murray-Darling Basin—as the Greens political party are suggesting—is patently wrong. I know that, under their water plan that Senator Abetz has indicated, the New South Wales officials will do everything that needs to be done—but you will not have it duplicated by the Commonwealth.

I thank Senator Abetz for his answer. I think that demonstrates exactly what this bill is all about: maintaining the protections but avoiding the costly job-culling duplication that you see so much. Thanks, Minister, for your answer. I am very satisfied now that the protections are still there but some of the regulation and duplication goes.