Australian Greens push for national probe into the Murray Darling Basin Plan, investigating potential fraud and misconduct

Potential acts of fraud and ministerial misconduct would be investigated as part of a proposed federal royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan being pushed by the Australian Greens.

• Report demands complete overhaul of watered-down river plan
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Potential acts of fraud and ministerial misconduct would be investigated as part of a proposed federal royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan being pushed by the Australian Greens.

South Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has drafted terms of reference for a commission the Greens will try to get approval for in the first sitting week of Federal Parliament next week.

“We know our river is under extreme stress,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“A royal commission is clearly warranted ... it must be far reaching, take into account the effect the plan has had on environment and river communities, and include the impact of climate change.

“The plan meant to end the water wars and strengthen our most important river system has failed.”

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud did not respond to questions about the possibility of a royal commission before deadline on Wednesday.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Greens leader Richard Di Natale. Picture: AAP / Kelly Barnes

But the move has the support of Centre Alliance, with Senator Rex Patrick arguing it would be difficult for any party not to support one after the SA commission found political interference and maladministration.

“The South Australian Royal Commissioner was constrained in his jurisdiction,” Senator Patrick said.

“There is a need, at the very least, to look at the governance arrangements of the plan.”

Senator Hanson-Young’s push in the Senate to establish a royal commission will begin on Tuesday.

On the same day, the State Opposition will attempt to set up a select committee to probe SA Environment Minister David Speirs’ handling of the plan.