Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Senator Eric Abetz. I draw the minister’s attention to the announcement by South Australia’s water minister today that, if the South Australian allocation dropped below 50 per cent next year or they could not maintain weir levels, they would be forced to cut the supply of water to a number of lakes, lagoons and wetlands. Would such an action be compatible with, and supported by, the national water plan? Given the current predictions for reduced inflows into the Murray-Darling, does the minister consider it likely that this will occur?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In answer to the honourable senator’s question, I can indicate that I am not aware of the South Australian minister’s proposal. Therefore, I will take that question on notice, see whether my colleague Mr Turnbull has in fact analysed the proposal to which the honourable senator refers and ascertain whether or not he wishes to provide a response.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. That would be appreciated and perhaps, in that case, he could also tell us how much of the already allocated $10 billion has been spent to date purchasing water to return flows to threatened wetlands. Also, will the government move to urgently buy water to save these wetlands and prevent them being cut off?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will take that question on notice as well. Preservation of the wetlands clearly is important but there are also other important factors. We as a government are seeking with the $10 billion fund to balance all the needs, which of course include the needs of Adelaide right through the basin, and we will come out with a good, balanced proposal. If there is anything further that Minister Turnbull would seek to add to that answer, I will pass it on to the honourable senator.