Australian Democrat's Senator for Queensland, Andrew Bartlett, has called for a Senate Inquiry into water management in Australia. The federal and state governments are in discussions about water management
arrangements in a last minute panic instigated by a crisis that consecutive Australian governments have precipitated by their environmental negligence. This situation, according to Senator Bartlett, is
potentially a
recipe for rash and
ill-considered solutions.
"There was a serious lack of consultation during the development phase, with stakeholders such as the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and experts in the field left on the sidelines, and this is continuing to happen. The Murray-Darling Basin Commission has been forced to write letters to the Prime Minister outlining concerns because he refuses to consult properly."
"I will push to refer the federal government's water plan to a Senate Inquiry for thorough examination if the states give the deal the go ahead."
The Senate can play a constructive role in consulting widely and recommending sensible suggestions into the water management debate. The current sidelining of the Senate by the Government is missing opportunities to make
parliament work effectively for the country on
important matters, such as water management. particularly when the
politicians with the most experience in environmental issues, The Greens and the Australian Democrats, can fully
participate if the Senate is involved through an inquiry.
Technorati Tags: Australian politics, Australian Democrats, Water, EnvironmentLabels: australia, bartlett, environment, sustainability, water