Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I refer to all of my previous answers in that regard and reject the premise of the question that Senator Hanson-Young has put there. These are, and always have been, very serious issues. The government's commitment to ensure the Murray-Darling Basin is managed in a way that's consistent with the Water Act and consistent with the Basin Plan is resolute. The government's respect for the importance of that and for our communities in South Australia is also resolute. The government has made that clear in the last 24 hours.

The advocacy of senators and members of parliament for their own communities is also very important and something to be respected across this place—that is, the advocacy that I bring and you bring in relation to South Australia and the advocacy that others bring in relation to their communities as well. I acknowledge and respect that, but the policy position of the government remains clear. (Time expired)