Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I reject that the government has anything to hide. We have nothing to hide and, indeed, are not doing so. The government, as I think has been clearly stated, does not consider that the establishment of a judicial inquiry or a royal commission is either necessary or justified.

We know that that sort of inquiry would take about nine to 12 months to actually conclude. I think the people across this nation who do have an interest in the Murray-Darling Basin would be looking for a very quick response on the allocations that were made. In addition to the Commonwealth's review of the Basin-wide compliance, the New South Wales independent investigation and the ANAO's review into National Partnership Agreement on Implementing Water Reform in the Murray–Darling Basin, the current allegations have also been referred to the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and the New South Wales Ombudsman. Across all of those things we have seen a very considered, a very balanced and a very detailed and appropriate response.