The Department of Climate Change Environment Energy and Water (DCCEEW) this week announced they would proceed to purchase a further 100GL of water identified through the expressions of interest process while they still have not finalised all the contracts for the 70GL purchase held last year.
The Albanese government claims its approach to recovering the 450GL is focussed on three guiding principles: enhanced environmental outcomes, minimising socio-economic impacts and achieving value for money.
As Shadow Water Minister, Senator Davey said it was impossible for Minister Plibersek to be able to say they have considered the social and economic impacts of water buybacks when they haven’t completed one process before proceeding with another.
“It is little wonder people are so cynical about the Albanese government’s motives when they are trying to rush through another round of open tender water buybacks before the election, despite not even knowing from which communities the water will come from or what environmental outcomes will be achieved.
“We now know that Minister Plibersek doesn’t read documents that come across her desk, which is the only explanation as to how she could sign off on water buybacks meeting the government’s three guiding principles when they can’t even tell us where they bought water from, for what environmental outcomes and at what price.
“We know the Albanese government’s water buybacks are having a major impact on the water market, with the government paying a premium our farmers can’t compete on price.
“Taxpayers are also being taken for a ride with the Albanese government refusing for the first time since water buybacks began in 2008 to come clean on how much taxpayers funding has been allocated to water buybacks.”
Senator Davey said it was time Minister Plibersek visited the southern basin and answered communities concerns that the Albanese government was ignoring its own guiding principles.
