The NSW Labor Government has spectacularly contradicted its own Premier, voting in support of a motion for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into water management just hours after Chris Minns told Parliament he did not back the proposal.
A Public Interest Debate was held on a motion calling for a federal Royal Commission into water management, including the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
During Question Time earlier that day, the Premier made clear he did not support renewed calls for a Royal Commission, yet the motion was passed unanimously by the House.
Shadow Minister for Water, Steph Cooke, said the stunning reversal exposed deep confusion and a lack of leadership at the heart of the NSW Labor Government.
“On one of the most critical issues facing regional NSW, the Premier said one thing in Question Time and his government did the exact opposite on the floor of Parliament just hours later,” Ms Cooke said.
“This is not a minor slip-up; it is a glaring sign the government cannot keep its story straight on water, which is the most important resource our communities rely on.”
“Unlike Labor, the Coalition is united in supporting a Commonwealth Royal Commission into Water Management after years of flawed policy and growing concern in basin communities.
“Protecting water for the environment does not have to come at the expense of farmers, who have already contributed more than any other group to delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan through on-farm efficiency works and buybacks.
“When farmers have less water, it costs more to grow food, and NSW families feel that every time they stand at the supermarket checkout.
“That is the real-world impact of poor water policy.”
The Premier previously served as Shadow Minister for Water between 2016 and 2019.
In August 2019, he and the Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, supported a Public Interest Debate calling for a Royal Commission into water management.
This week, Mr Barr was the only government member to speak during the Public Interest Debate and argued against the very idea he once backed.
Despite this, he did not move to divide the House or take any step to prevent the motion from being agreed to.
“After more than a decade of missteps and mistrust in water policy, communities across NSW deserve transparency and accountability,” Ms Cooke said.
“The outcome of this debate shows there are members of the government who know the system is not working, even if their own Premier will not admit it.
“Without a full and independent inquiry, we risk standing in this Parliament in 10, 20 or 30 years having the same arguments, about the same failures, while regional communities continue to pay the price.”
