Murray River

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:54): A supplementary question. Can I take it from the minister's answer that the government's long-term strategy to reduce the reliance on the River Murray is to hope it rains more?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (14:55): This is the level of understanding that the Liberal Party has in terms of water policy. The cheapest water that is available to SA Water customers is what falls out of the sky at Mount Lofty and gets into our catchments; that is the cheapest water, and that is what we prioritise. On the other hand, the Liberals want us to turn on the desal plant so that we can supply irrigators with water at five times the cost—and who is going to pay for that? SA Water customers. That is the Liberal plan for water. It is outrageous.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ngo.

The Hon. S.G. Wade: Let's just pray for rain.

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Ngo has the call.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The minister will allow his colleague to ask a question.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Are you all happy for the Hon. Mr Ngo to ask his question now? The Hon. Mr Ngo.