2015-11-24
The Greens have secured an Australian-first register of foreign owned water entitlements, in agreeing to support government legislation that gives the Foreign Investment Review Board greater scope to check if sales of Australian land to overseas buyers is in the national interest.
"As a WA Senator and Australian Greens spokesperson for Agriculture I understand the importance of looking after our food production, which is at risk thanks to global warming and extreme weather events.
“It is fantastic to see that we have secured a commitment that the government will establish a register of foreign owned water entitlements. This in addition to the register of foreign owned land that we passed earlier this month.
“This will make sure our land and water, including in my home state of Western Australia, remain a focus whilst ensuring decisions about their acquisition are more carefully considered.
“We have also secured a Government commitment to review the inclusion of water asset sales in the Foreign Investment Review framework. This is important because our water management is an important aspect of our agricultural output.
“What the Greens have achieved is a significant win for more oversight and transparency in how Australia manages our land and water. I congratulate the work of my colleagues in securing strategic and informed decisions about our water resources into the future”.