Victoria Minister for Water Peter Walsh

Statement From Victorian Water Minister Peter Walsh On Murray Darling Basin Authority Leaks

Victor P Taffa

“The Murray Darling Basin Authority’s decision to leak the draft Murray Darling Basin Plan is an insult to Basin States and does not bode well for conducting negotiations in good faith.”

“We were informed by the Authority that the draft Basin Plan was due to be released on 28 November.”

“Considering its ramifications and the fact the Authority needs Victoria’s support, we would expect the relevant state governments would receive a copy of the Basin Plan and supporting documents prior to or in conjunction with other stakeholders.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Victoria still has not received key documents associated with the draft, which have now been leaked by the Murray Darling Basin Authority.”

“The underhanded way in which the Authority has gone about releasing this information does not show respect for the states and stakeholders as promised by Craig Knowles as part of a more consultative process.”

“Craig Knowles has brought the underhanded tactics of the NSW Labor Right to this process.” Mr. Walsh said.

“In public he continues to ask the states to work together and to put politics to one side but in the background he is playing a cunning political game.”

“Craig Knowles is clearly trying to manage the release of the plan in a way that will minimise any adverse community response.” Mr. Walsh said.