MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AGREEMENT

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:51): Will the Minister for Water Security, as the member for Chaffey, as a representative of Riverland people and as leader of the Nationals, resign from the Rann Labor cabinet today in light of announcements made at COAG just moments ago? At a just completed press conference held by Prime Minister Rudd and the premiers, Victorian Premier John Brumby proudly boasted that it was a good result for Victorian irrigators. He said, 'Victoria has received another $103 million of benefits as part of the deal.' Nothing has been provided in the way of new water flows for South Australia. When the Prime Minister asked our Premier whether he would like to speak at the press conference, he declined.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! A question of a minister as a private member is out of order, but the essence of the question was whether the minister would resign, and she can resign only as a minister. Minister?

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) (14:53): No.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Goyder.