Murray-Darling Basin

23 The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (29 August 2023). Is the department in any way funding the 'Life or Death for the Murray Darling: Q&A with Experts' sessions that the commissioner attended as a panel member between 30 June to 7 July this year? If so, how much?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water): I have been advised:

My agreement with the Commissioner for the River Murray in South Australia requires him to 'Lead a series of River Murray Forums in South Australia and participate in relevant interstate forums as agreed with the Government Party'.

The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance, of which the Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) is an alliance member, convened the 'Life or Death for the Murray Darling: Q&A with Experts' sessions at which Mr Beasley was a panel member.

The South Australian government is party to a grant agreement with the CCSA that includes funding of $71,799 for an activity titled: Supporting engagement activities of the Commissioner for the River Murray. The CCSA was paid that amount under the grant agreement during the 2022-23 financial year and the particulars of how that funding is applied is a matter for the CCSA. The CCSA will provide the department with a financial acquittal of funds spent by 31 January 2024.