Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton says a new water register she has convinced the NSW Government to introduce will help stop money laundering as well as the secret purchase of Australian water by foreign governments.
“Until now, Australians have never known who owns our water,” Ms Dalton said.
“But this water register will finally lift the lid on who owns what.
“That means criminals will no longer be able to hide their proceeds of crime by purchasing and trading water.
“It also means that foreign governments will no longer be able to secretly buy up Australian water without us knowing.
“This will help farmers by restoring common sense to our water markets.
“From now on, the people who buy water will be buying the water for the right reasons. They will be using water to produce the food and textiles that make this country great.”
She praised NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson for supporting her private member’s bill.
“Rose is very smart and she understands how strongly voters care about this issue,” Ms Dalton said.
“Farming communities are sick of criminals and foreign governments using our precious water for all the wrong reasons.”
Ms Dalton also praised her cross-bench colleagues for backing her register.
“The passing of this bill will be proof that parliamentarians can, and must, work together on important issues that voters care about,” she said.