MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton’s push for a water register has finally gained support from NSW Parliament after months of pressure.
Mrs Dalton said a register would “help stop money laundering” as well as the “secret” purchase of “Australian” water by foreign governments.
“Until now, Australians have never known who owns our water,” Ms Dalton said after the vote in NSW Parliament on Thursday.
“But this water register will finally lift the lid on who owns what.
“That means criminals will no longer be able to hide their proceeds of crime by purchasing and trading water.
“It also means that foreign governments will no longer be able to secretly buy up Australian water without us knowing.
“This will help farmers by restoring common sense to our water markets.
“From now on, the people who buy water will be buying the water for the right reasons: they will be using water to produce the food and textiles that make this country great.”
Mrs Dalton praised Water Minister Rose Jackson for supporting the Independent MP’s private members’ Bill.
“Rose is very smart and she understands how strongly voters care about this issue,” Mrs Dalton said.
“Farming communities are sick of criminals and foreign governments using our precious water for all the wrong reasons.”
Mrs Dalton also praised the crossbench for backing her register.
“The passing of this Bill will be proof that parliamentarians can, and must, work together on important issues that voters care about,” she said.
“Issues like this are above politics.”
During the debate Mrs Dalton said the need for a water register was “obvious to most … it’s a no-brainer”.
“NSW has always needed to know who owns Australia’s water.
“For example, are money launderers buying water to hide their proceeds of crime?
“I assure members that appears to be happening in my electorate – and I dare say it is happening across the entire state.
“Are foreign governments putting their national interest ahead of Australia’s national interest by buying and controlling Australia’s water?
“Until now, we have never known if that was the case.
“We did not know who was laundering money with water purchases or who was undermining Australia’s national interest or threatening our national interest.”
Mrs Dalton said it had taken years to get the Bill through.
“Water is the lifeblood of regional NSW,” she said.
“It is the lifeblood of the NSW economy and also the Australian economy.
“We will finally know who owns our most precious national resource: our water.”
