Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

As I said, I'm not aware of any such request having been made by the New South Wales government to the federal government, but I am aware that our government is working closely with New South Wales authorities in relation to these fish deaths. I also understand that an emergency operations centre has been activated at Menindee to coordinate multi-agency operations. The centre will ensure fresh and clean water supply is maintained to the Menindee township, as well as coordinate the removal and disposal of fish. Of course, the tragic events we do see unfolding at Menindee are yet more proof to fully deliver the Murray-Darling Basin Plan—something that the former government were unable to do in all their years—

Opposition sen ators interjecting—

I know it sets off the Nats, and it's setting them off again. But after a decade of delay and sabotage by Liberals and Nationals around the country there is still a way to go to finish the plan. We haven't yet received the full benefits for the river system and, unfortunately, this is more proof— (Time expired)