SENATOR PENNY WONG, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: (late tape start) What South Australians need is more water, what they got was more talk. They got an agenda item and a couple of Estimates rounds.
Now, I called earlier today for Nick to ensure that his actions and words matched up. That his actions matched his words. It is very disappointing that hasnt occurred. What we have got is Nick Xenophon giving himself an excuse to vote for the Governments legislation. So, not only have Nicks actions not matched his words, hes delivered this so-called deal on the very day that Barnaby Joyce, in the House of Representatives, has made very clear that hes prepared to walk away from the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Hes made very clear that he is not committing to the extra 450 gigalitres. Hes made very clear that hes not committing to the money thats allocated to that.
So, on the very day we see Barnaby Joyce, again, making very clear hes not a supporter of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Nick stands up and tells everybody why hes going to vote for Malcolm Turnbulls legislation.
Its very disappointing. I think its very disappointing for all South Australians, because we wanted Nick, along with every South Australian Senator and Member, to stand up for South Australia. We needed water, we didnt need more talk.
And lets remember, as long as Malcolm Turnbull has got Barnaby Joyce in the Water portfolio we know Barnaby will never deliver an outcome that is good for South Australians and that is good for the Basin. Because Barnabys position is the one he told us before 2010 just move to where the water is. Thats his position.
JOURNALIST: The Greens are accusing Nick Xenophon of selling South Australians down the river. Would you go that far?
WONG: I certainly think hes sold us out. I certainly think he has. I think hes gone for a deal that gives him an excuse to vote for the Governments legislation. A deal that is about more talk. It is not about more water and thats disappointing. I know Nick has been a supporter of a good plan and I think what we have got is him wanting to find an excuse to vote for the Governments legislation.
Lets remember he has said Im not going to deal with the Governments legislation unless you fix this up. I just dont see how having another couple of Estimates rounds fixes this up. I quite enjoy Estimates as you all know, but I dont think thats the way to make sure South Australians get more water.
JOURNALIST: Senator Xenophon said that Jay Weatherill was happy, at least with the aspect of elevating this to First Ministers level. Doesnt that show that something has been achieved here?
WONG: Youd need to talk to the Premier about that. What Id say is this: weve got more talk rather than more water. And weve also got Nick Xenophon on the day Barnaby Joyce stands up in the Parliament and refuses to commit to the 450 gigalitres, refuses to say he will safeguard the money that is allocated to that, weve got Nick giving him his vote. I think really anyone looking at this will say Nick was looking for an excuse to vote for the Governments legislation
JOURNALIST: Was there a problem perhaps to begin within that he was horse trading on an issue that had nothing to do with the ABCC?
WONG: I dont think he actually has horse traded though, has he? I dont know that a couple more Estimates rounds is horse trading. I think what people in South Australia wanted was a commitment to deliver the plan that all states agreed to
JOURNALIST: On the ABCC its now likely to pass. Does Labor commit to getting rid of the ABCC in Government?
WONG: You should direct that question to Brendan OConnor. Ive been focussed on the Chamber. I think youre right at this stage its quite clear now because of this deal that Nick Xenophons engaged I think the legislation will pass and probably today.
JOURNALIST: While were talking about the Chamber can we ask you about George Brandis and the Inquiry..
WONG: Ah George. Our friend George. George is very, very good isnt he at making sure he doesnt say anything. He just carefully chooses his words. My one piece of advice to journalists is to say look at what George doesnt say, not just what he says.
JOURNALIST: I just wanted to ask what you had to say about the Inquiry that was just passed?
WONG: Labor, and, I think, the Greens moved for the Inquiry and we got the support of most of the cross bench. And I think the reason we did is people have observed this Attorney-General. We have observed him over a long period of time. We know he is slippery and on this matter we know he is being slippery again and I think this needs to be enquired into.
And there are questions that need to be answered, not just by Senator Brandis, but by a number of other ministers. Its quite clear that there has been involvement from Mr Porter and Ms ODwyer. Its quite clear from the statements made to the Western Australian Parliament that they were involved and I think that they should explain this in detail.
JOURNALIST: Who do you think they will be able to call before the Inquiry apart from the ministers?
WONG: That will be a matter for the Inquiry, for the Committee to consider.
JOURNALIST: Its the second week of horse trading we have seen. Are you concerned about the types of things that are being negotiated in this horse trading between the cross benchers and the Government?
WONG: I think guns for votes was probably the low point wasnt it? And once youve got to that point it probably means theres very little you (wouldnt) trade away. We also have seen Pauline Hanson engage in a deal for not changing the Passenger Movement Charge which as you know was a complete con and I think that will be demonstrated over time.
JOURNALIST: On the Inquiry, would it be possible for the Committee to call Joe Hockey?
WONG: That will be a matter for the Committee. Although I would say this, I think everybody knows that Joe Hockeys reputation has been somewhat tarnished by his former colleagues and were I Mr Hockey I might want to remedy that.
JOURNALIST: Rod Culleton voted with Labor. Are you worried that you have caused a rift in the One Nation Party?
WONG: I dont think thats my concern.