MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton has said she’s adamant a water register will stop secret and illegal dealings within the Australian water market.
After months of pressure, Ms Dalton gained support for the measure from the New South Wales Government last week.
The independent MP said she believes the register will “finally lift the lid on who owns what.”
“That means criminals will no longer be able to hide their proceeds of crime by purchasing and trading water,” she said.
“It also means that foreign governments will no longer be able to secretly buy up Australian water without us knowing.
“This will help farmers by restoring common sense to our water markets.
“From now on, the people who buy water will be buying the water for the right reasons.
“They will be using water to produce the food and textiles that make this country great.”
Ms Dalton commended State Water Minister Rose Jackson for supporting the private members bill, as well as her cross-bench colleagues for backing of the water register.
“The passing of this bill will be proof that parliamentarians can, and must, work together on important issues that voters care about,” Ms Dalton said.
“Issues like this are above politics.”
