SENATOR THE HON BRIDGET MCKENZIE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR VICTORIA
18 October 2023
Media Release
HAINES BREAKS FAITH WITH NORTH EAST TO SIDE WITH LABOR ON WATER
In an appalling betrayal of the local community ‘independent’ Member for Indi, Helen Haines voted in favour of Labor’s Bill in water buybacks, affecting communities across the Northeast.
Labor’s Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill 2023 ignores the social and economic neutrality test which was designed to protect communities like Northeast Victoria from destructive water policies.
Nationals Senator for Victoria, Senator Bridget McKenzie said Ms Haines has ignored the long-held stance of her basin community and put at risk the livelihood of many farming communities, horticulturists, and food manufacturers by supporting more buybacks.
“The Member for Indi has prioritised garnering favour with Labor types and political elites above the concerns of her local community and follows on from Haines’ strong support of Prime Minister Albanese’s failed Yes campaign,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This is an appalling betrayal of the local community by Ms Haines.
“Water buybacks will decimate the social and economic future of Murray Darling Basin towns across Indi,” Senator McKenzie said.
Consultation of the Water Bill has been less than satisfactory. A public webinar, online survey and interest only workshops, is not the way to conduct extensive consultation and the constitutes of Indi deserve better.
“The Nationals will aways stand by our farming communities to ensure that water is delivered to where it is needed, after all it’s the food bowls that feed the nation,” Senator McKenzie said.
End.