Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. On 24 July 2017 Four Corners aired explosive allegations of theft and corruption in the management of the Barwon-Darling in the north of the Murray-Darling Basin. Only days later, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce, told political supporters at a pub that the report was merely an attempt to create 'a calamity for which the solution is to take more water off you'. Does the Deputy Prime Minister's statement reflect the government's position?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator, I don't have a brief on that matter, so I'll take that on notice.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallacher, a supplementary question.

Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The next day, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce, dismissed reports of theft and corruption in the Murray-Darling Basin as modern-day cattle rustling. Has the Prime Minister raised concerns with the Deputy Prime Minister about his dismissive attitude to these serious reports?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I said, I'll take the question on notice.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallacher, a final supplementary question.

Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Isn't it clear that the only reason the Prime Minister can't stand up to the Deputy Prime Minister on the Murray-Darling Basin or his capacity to even serve as a minister is that he's too weak to do anything about it?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallacher, I don't need to take that question on notice. What you assert is nonsense.