Water Buybacks

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): One supplementary, because I think it is very vital: what amount of gigalitres has been recovered under water efficiency programs by this state government since the election?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter! The Hon. Mr Hunter, if you are going to answer the question, stand up.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, please provide a concise answer so we can have the next question.

The Hon. N.J. Centofanti interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:36): If the former federal government had forced the upstream states to engage in water efficiencies, we might not be facing the difficulties that we are now.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Why don't those opposite care about that? Why did they capitulate to the upstream states?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Why don't they care about making sure that the rest of the country does their part?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, let's pull it back. I want to hear some constructive questions and answers. The honourable Leader of the Opposition, your second question.

The Hon. R.P. Wortley interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wortley!