Anthony Albanese needs to explain where the water is coming from in his so-called plan for the Murray-Darling.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said re-establishing a Water Commission and conducting yet another study will not produce one single extra drop for those downstream.

“Mr Albanese has all but confirmed Labor will re-introduce water buybacks that have been so damaging to Murray-Darling Basin communities,” Dr Webster said.

“Each-way Albo is again saying one thing in one state then changing his position in another.

“This is a critical issue. He needs to stand up in towns like Swan Hill and Red Cliffs and explain how his plan will work. Mr Albanese needs to be honest people about Labor’s plans to take water away from growers.

“Basin communities have already suffered through a Labor-Independents-Greens alliance when they decimated jobs and communities with water buybacks last time they were in government.”

Just this week Anthony Albanese fronted the National Farmers’ Federation conference but was silent on water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said Mr Albanese’s announcement in Adelaide was all about the politics of the Murray-Darling and nothing to do with the communities that deliver so much for Australia.

“Labor’s plan is all noise and no substance. Anthony Albanese is sacrificing communities and jobs throughout the Murray-Darling Basin to chase a few extra votes in Adelaide,” Minister Pitt said.

Our record speaks for itself by delivering on the Basin Plan as well as key water policy reform including:

• Delivering nearly 98% (2,029GL) of our 2024 Murray-Darling Basin water recovery target.
• Committing to no more buybacks as part of our commitment to putting Basin communities and jobs back at the heart of the Plan.
• Establishing the Inspector-General of Water Compliance in 2021, delivering on a key 2019 election commitment.
• Delivering on our 2019 election promise to direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to review the Southern Basin Water Market.
• Creating an independent water market review panel, currently crafting a roadmap towards water market reform.
• Delivering more than $13 billion of investment, which has seen over 370 projects funded, over 5 million fish protected each year, over 29,310 hectares of habitat protection and restoration, 11,000 drought-stricken farmers supported, native fish stocks bolstered and a better delivery of water to where it’s needed.
• Sustained a healthy and vibrant Murray-Darling Basin that supports over $24 billion in food and fibre each year while putting communities and jobs at heart of the Plan providing a future for the 2.6 million Australian’s who call the Basin home.

Dr Webster said this election provides a clear choice, with real consequences for Australia, especially those communities in the Murray-Darling Basin.

“On one hand you have the Liberals and Nationals delivering a strong economy and a stronger future through certainty by putting communities at the heart of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. On the other hand you have an Albanese led Labor-Greens-Independents alliance that would decimate our Basin communities through devastating water buybacks,” Dr Webster said.

“This election is one about certainty and delivery.

“The Liberals and Nationals commitment to the 2.6 million Australian’s who call the Basin home is clear – no buybacks, regional strength, and keeping communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.

“A vote for an Anthony Albanese led Labor-Greens-independents alliance is a vote for weaker basin communities, less local jobs and more harmful water buybacks.”