WATER SECURITY

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:37): My question is to the Minister for Water Security. Has the minister diverted water from environmental flows to critical human needs and what contingency plans does the government have in place should the quality or quantity of water in the Murray put Adelaide's critical needs at risk?

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Small Business, Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade) (14:37): Under the Senior Officials Group reports and the Prime Minister and the Premier's agreement, critical human needs is the first priority, of course, in supplying water out of the Murray-Darling Basin. Through the negotiations at the national level, critical human needs have been set aside for this water year, which commenced on 1 July, and during the course of this year South Australia will be required to accumulate a reserve for the next water year.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!