Media Release on the Gillard's reported Murray Darling announcement
Tuesday, 10 August 2010 11:18
Media Release
10 August 2010
Release the Murray-Darling Report Today - 6 simple questions for the Prime Minister
Today the PM is reported to be committing to save the Murray-Darling and implement the findings of a secret report the Murray Darling Authority is withholding.
Setting aside the fact that her Government has dithered on this overdue task for three years, this media report raises some interesting questions:...
1. Why won’t the Government release the draft Murray Darling Basin Authority plan?2. Does the Government know what’s in the draft plan?
3. How can we believe this promise if you won’t tell us what’s in the draft plan?
4. How can you promise it if you truly don’t know what’s in the draft plan?
5. If the draft plan is supposed to be the basis for stakeholder consultation, how can you accept the recommendations in advance? Does that mean no consultation as the Water Act provides for? (150 people randomly selected out of the phone book can solve climate change, but the communities affected by a draft plan get no input? )
6. If Mr Abbott consented, would the Government direct the Authority to release the report before the election as the Act and Caretaker Convention provide?
If today’s announcement is not a stunt these questions need to be answered and the draft report needs to be released so Australians can assess the merits of the promises of both sides of politics.
Editorial note: Under s175 of The Water Act. 2007, the Minister has power to direct the Authority subject to some operational limitations (e.g. she can’t overrule them on compliance measures). Under Caretaker conventions a caretaker government can make executive decisions if consent is provided by the Opposition.
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