Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (20:32): I congratulate my colleague Senator Larissa Waters for her coverage and the details that she has presented on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Bilateral Agreement Implementation) Bill. This is legislation that is certainly not needed.

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.

The Senate passed a motion from Lee and Senator Nick Xenophon in support of the National Water Commission.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:02): I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) water is one of our most important resources and is critical to Australia's economic growth,

The Greens say there is mounting evidence that the Liberal party is moving to shut down the independent oversight of water at a state and federal level.

Greens water spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon outlined this worrying trend in a major speech in the federal parliament .

"The Abbott government's recent decision to close down the National Water Commission follows the closure of state water oversight bodies," Senator Rhiannon said.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (21:47): I would like to move on to another issue. I would like to take this opportunity in the Australian Senate to pay tribute to Neville 'Chappy' Williams, an Aboriginal elder from western New South Wales. He has made an enormous contribution to Australia. As a former bantamweight boxer, Chappy knows a thing or two about a tough fight. After knocking out the official Australian bantamweight contender, Billy Booth, at the Golden Gloves in New South Wales, he nearly made it to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (22:03): Among the numerous disappointments coming from the federal government, it is fair to say that the decision to shut down the National Water Commission is but one. But this is one that deserves close attention. As a nation, we are facing major challenges to our water supplies. The biggest threat, however, is the complete disregard from the federal government for the importance of this issue.

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon has called on NSW police to investigate whether the company involved in spying on those protesting against the Maules Creek coalmine have broken the law and if so lay charges.

"If the security firm Centre for Intelligence and Risk Management used fake identities and other deceptions they could have broken laws that cover their corporate activities and the privacy rights of those they spied on," said Senator Rhiannon.

MEDIA RELEASE
2 June 2014

Coalition infrastructure plan puts Murray Darling Basin at risk

NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon has said the Federal Government's strategy to further cut water buybacks will put the Murray Darling Basin Plan at risk.

"The move away from water buybacks to the less reliable and more costly program of infrastructure investment is a high risk strategy," said Senator Rhiannon.

Senator RHIANNON: I want to take up the issues of the trust’s land on Middle Head, part of the headland park at the entrance to Sydney Harbour.

Environment and Communications Legislation Committee

May 26, 2014

Estimates - ENVIRONMENT PORTFOLIO

National Water Commission