I welcome The Nationals’ amendment to prevent the Albanese Government from purchasing additional irrigation water from productive communities under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, and I will be supporting it when it comes before Parliament.
This is a positive step, but the broader conversation must continue.
In September, I moved a motion in the Federation Chamber calling on the Government to make 75 per cent of available environmental water accessible for productive use and irrigated agriculture for the 2026 spring planting season.
My proposal recognised that Australia’s water policy must deliver environmental outcomes while also supporting food production, regional jobs and economic growth.
For too long, productive irrigation water has been treated as though it can be removed from communities without consequence.
Every litre taken from production represents lost economic activity, reduced employment opportunities and less investment flowing through regional Australia.
Buying back productive irrigation water, reducing regional employment and productivity, while increasing the nation’s debt burden, simply does not make economic or financial sense.
This is not an argument against the environment.
Healthy rivers matter, and sensible environmental stewardship remains essential.
But environmental outcomes should not come at the expense of the communities that feed and clothe our nation.
As I stated in my maiden speech to Parliament, I will work with any person and any political party that can and will improve Australia for all Australians. Supporting this amendment is consistent with that commitment. Halting further water buybacks is in the interests of all Australians.
