The Hon. Emily Bourke, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water (SA), Media Release, 15 April 2026
This year’s projected opening allocation for South Australian River Murray water users has reinforced the importance of a healthy and flowing Basin – and ensuring parties representing River communities put local interests ahead of upstream states.
As the Malinauskas Labor Government continues to fight to secure the 450GL of environmental flows promised and full delivery of the Basin Plan, One Nation seeks to unwind reforms made and restore caps and socio-economic tests which slow water recovery.
The stark contrast extends to the party’s leaders, with One Nation’s deputy Barnaby Joyce posting on social media this summer that “Apparently Adelaide will die of thirst” while referencing the NSW city of Tamworth’s water supply.
Mr Joyce has previously made his views on our state clear: “Adelaide is not in the basin. Go live in Shepparton, Mildura, Goondiwindi, St George, Dirranbandi or Bourke. Go live in the areas which actually rely on this incredible resource.”
Does One Nation’s SA leader Cory Bernardi – who once backed an inquiry into allegations of water theft in NSW – support his deputy leader’s views on the Murray-Darling Basin?
And is he now in lockstep with Nationals leader Matt Canavan, who singled out Mr Bernardi in Canberra for his earlier comments and is prioritising the eastern states?
Adding to the One Nation chaos is the MP representing Hammond and River communities, Robert Roylance, who last month told Facebook followers “We’re working to … secure water for future growth” – at odds with his party’s position.
The One Nation chaos continues across the border in the Farrer by-election in NSW, with candidate David Farley the Chair of ‘Speak Up 4 Water’ – a group that opposes water flowing to South Australia.
Mr Farley recently labelled the vital Basin Plan an “extraction plan” on Sky News and rejected voluntary buybacks to improve the health of the system.
The Malinauskas Government will always advocate for SA on the national stage, led by River Murray Commissioner Dr Emma Carmody who will play a crucial role for the review of the Basin Plan and engage with key stakeholders across the basin.
Additional state support provided includes a $71.1 million investment to remove barriers to the delivery of environmental water to floodplains and wetlands and a further $20.9 million for councils to invest in alternative water resources and infrastructure and reduce reliance on the river.
Quotes attributable to Emily Bourke
Having seen upstream governments and irrigators prioritised for years, there are signs One Nation in our state is following the same path – and they should be called out.
The party pushing to be the state’s opposition is opposing measures put in place to secure the future of Australia’s most critical river system.
Our River communities rely on the long-term health of the Murray-Darling which is why it’s so important to fight for our fair share and back local farmers.
The South Australian Government’s position on the national stage is clear while the One Nation chaos, here and across the border, only hurts the future of our state.
