MURRAY-DARLING BASIN

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (16:32): I have a supplementary question. In view of the Premier's answer to my previous question and his comments about getting rid of the basin states' veto powers, will he explain clause 13 of the memorandum, which states:

If all or any basin state ministers disagree with the cap or other relevant parts of the basin plan, these matters would be referred back to the authority for reappraisal. The authority would then return the basin plan to the ministerial council for its advice. The plan would then be submitted to the commonwealth minister for decision.

Will the Premier tell the house how many times this can be referred back for reappraisal? Will we still be arguing this matter in 2015?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (16:33): The honourable member is really disappointed—

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —when unemployment figures come out and show a record low, just as he is disappointed when there is record business investment in this state, just as he is really disappointed when the Treasurer of this state, unlike his government, has produced a series of surpluses and got the AAA credit rating back—he is disappointed about that and says that he is wrecking the finances of the state—hello, as John Howard would say, the fact of the matter is that we got a damned good outcome last week.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Why you are angry is that the outcome you called for was achieved when you wanted it not to be achieved. That is the difference. We are loyal to this state and you are disloyal to each other.