MP Helen Dalton demands that NSW Premier Chris Minns not join to The National Water Agreement

Member for Murray of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Helen Dalton, demands that NSW Premier, Chris Minns, does not sign NSW up to National Water Agreement.

It is very unlikely that Chris Minns will consent to Helen’s demand.

The very important fact to understand is that the Federal Government, under its various plans and agreements, only manages the water in rivers with the permission of the States such as NSW and Victoria. Any State can resume management of water within its area at any time. This is because Section 100 of the Australian Constitution defines this authority.

100. Nor abridge right to use water

The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade or commerce, abridge the right of a State or of the residents therein to the reasonable use of the waters of rivers for conservation or irrigation.

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NSW and Victoria have previously permitted the Federal Government to manage the water because, as a NSW State Minister once stated, “We get a lot of money out of being in this”.

Both NSW and Victorian State Governments are literally selling the people in the irrigation areas of these States out. The people in these areas deserve much better governance.

A Riverina State will assume the management of water within its area as defined in the Australian Constitution. The people in this State will ensure that this water is used responsibly and for the benefit of these people.

Article is from The Pastoral Times, Deniliquin, 11/10/24.

David Landini.