The Hon. Nicola Centofanti, Shadow Minister for Water Resources and the River Murray (SA), Media Release, 1 August 2022

The Labor Party has already begun walking away from its pre-election commitment to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full and on time in hypocritical revelations from the new Federal Water Minister.

In the lead up to both State and Federal elections this year Labor promised to deliver the 450GL of environmental water required under the Basin Plan in full by the June 2024.

Fast forward a few weeks to the first sitting week of Federal Parliament and Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek is already saying she is open to delaying the 2024 deadline which would break an election promise.

Shadow Minister for Water Resources and River Murray Nicola Centofanti said it’s clear Labor are more interested in playing politics with the River Murray than delivering real outcomes.

“As someone who lives in the Riverland I understand the importance of the River Murray and one thing regional communities will not stand for is this typical political game playing from Labor,” Dr Centofanti said.

“Both State and Federal Labor took to their elections a promise to ensure that the Murray Darling Basin Plan is delivered in full, however all we have seen since then has been bickering amongst themselves and indications that they are out of their depth and have little understanding of the Basin.

“In Opposition Labor would scream from the sidelines and play gesture politics when it comes to the Murray which doesn’t achieve anything for the river system or the communities which rely on it.

“I wrote to Minister Plibersek when she was first appointed to confirm the South Australian Liberal Party’s commitment to the Basin Plan and emphasise our support for efficiency projects which provide the best solution to recovery of water for the environment whilst ensuring that river communities do not suffer.

“I am concerned Labor will now resort to water buy backs to deliver the 450GL which will rip productivity out of our river communities, devastating regional economies, risking jobs and further adding to inflationary pressures.

“We need Susan Close to stand up for regional South Australia and make sure the 450GL of environmental water is delivered via water efficiency projects not buy backs.”