Nationals to push minister on water laws

FEDERAL Water Minister David Littleproud has left the door open to support a Nationals backbench push to dramatically shake up water rules to help farmers in drought.

NSW Nationals senator Perin Davey is drafting legislation which would set a trigger for releasing water earmarked for the environment back onto the market for irrigators.

Mr Littleproud said the party room would look at the former irrigation consultant’s plan before making a decision.

“It never hurts to look outside the square,” he said.

“I think Perin Davey probably has more experience in water policy than most people in government. You never say never.”

The measure would be a major change to how water is shared under the $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

While Mr Littleproud is yet to see Senator Davey’s private bill, other Nationals backbenchers have thrown support behind the idea.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster and fellow Victorian MP Damian Drum have backed overhauling water laws.

Former leader Barnaby Joyce wants a debate on the allocation of water from the Commonwealth Environment Water Holder to farmers.

The basin plan will be in the spotlight at a meeting of federal and state water ministers next Tuesday.