Murray-Darling Basin Agreement

Murray-Darling Basin Agreement

JOINT STATEMENT

KEVIN RUDD MP – FEDERAL LABOR LEADER

ANTHONY ALBANESE

SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER

23 February 2007

Federal Labor welcomes the agreement reached today on the Murray-Darling.

Australia is confronting a national water crisis.

This crisis demands a national consensus putting aside our political differences.

That is why we believe that today’s agreement is a positive step in the right direction.

From day one, Federal Labor has played a constructive role in helping to bridge the gap between Canberra and the States and Territories, in order to bring about a resolution in the national interest.

To this end, Federal Labor met with the various Premiers over the last two weeks.

Ultimately, this has been a decision for premiers, chief ministers and the Prime Minister – and I congratulate them on the outcome they have achieved.

A further process of consultation will now occur between the Commonwealth and Victoria. This will take into account the particular challenges faced by Victorian farmers and irrigators as well as the maturity of their existing water management systems.

We are confident the Victorian Government will continue to work constructively with the Commonwealth.