[Greens-Media] Senate passes Rhiannon/Xenophon motion to retain the National Water Commission

[Jegatheeswaran, Brami (Jegan) (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA RELEASE
17 July 2014

Senate passes Rhiannon/Xenophon motion to retain the National Water Commission

The Senate today passed a motion from Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon and independent Senator Nick Xenophon calling on the federal government to retain the National Water Commission.

“Today we have seen that commitment to protect our water cuts across party lines. The motion passed with the support of Senators Nick Xenophon, Ricky Muir and John Madigan as well as the Greens and Labor,” said Senator Lee Rhiannon.

“The Abbott government’s recent decision to close down the National Water Commission follows the closure of state water oversight bodies.

“Now, more than ever, we need independent scrutiny of our water policies. This motion sends a strong message to the Coalition government that they should reverse their position on the National Water Commission.

“The role the National Water Commission plays in assessing the National Water Initiative, auditing the Murray Darling Basin Plan, and driving water reform is vital.

“Water is under threat from multiple sources – from climate change and the mining industry, to El Nino and the associated risk of drought this brings. Now it is under threat from the Coalition.

“Independent oversight of water policy is fundamental to ensuring we are able to face these challenges. Only this week, a report has shown that water rights in the Hunter Valley are disproportionately allocated to the mining industry.

“Water is necessary for the economy, and to our very survival. Now is not the time to be gutting our expertise on this vital issue.

“The Government must reverse its decision to shut down the National Water Commission - the only independent voice on water policy,” said Senator Rhiannon.

Contact: 0487 350 880

Brami Jegan
Communications | Strategy
for Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon

72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: (02) 9211 9523 | m: 0487 350 880

http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/

Our Sydney office is on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora nation.