Labor and The Greens have once again voted to block a return to good governance and transparency on water policy by siding against a push to reinstate the cross-portfolio ‘Water Day’.

Nationals Senator for New South Wales, and Shadow Minister for Water, Fisheries and Forestry, and Emergency Management, Ross Cadell, described the move as a disaster for regional communities who are heavily impacted by water policy decisions made in Canberra.

“Right now, there is more focus than ever on water policy in Australia,” Cadell said.

“Whether that be the overall health of the Murray Darling, access to overland flows, degraded infrastructure, or the lack of ongoing compliance more broadly there is a need for a dedicated forum to seek answers.

“Water Day’ would have provided the opportunity to ask questions of the Labor Government and to provide representation to the stakeholders and communities who live and breathe the decisions made in Canberra.

“Now is the time for real answers, instead Labor and The Greens have chosen to play politics.

“Labor and The Greens had the opportunity to do what was right for regional Australia today, though instead chose politics before people.

“It is clear water remains on the non-essential list for the Albanese Government.”