Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Emergency Management) Share this | Hansard source

Well, Senator, as we've discussed in this chamber more than once and as we've talked about in estimates, the minister's obligations are to follow the law. And, as you'd expect, her obligations are also to make decisions in a way that is legally sound and withstands legal challenge. To that extent, the minister is incredibly conscious that it is a legal question as to whether the water trigger in the legislation applies to any particular development. She has repeatedly made clear that, as a potential decision-maker, it is inappropriate to express an opinion about the question that you raise at this stage.

As I already indicated in my response to your primary question, the minister is taking steps to receive advice from the Territory government and from her department— (Time expired)