Federal Government, Basin Authority ask High Court to stop staff giving evidence at Murray Darling Basin Royal Commission

THE Federal Government and the Murray Darling Basin Authority have filed an injunction to stop witnesses from giving evidence at the SA Royal Commission into the Murray Darling.

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THE Federal Government and the Murray Darling Basin Authority have filed a High Court injunction to stop their own staff from giving evidence at the South Australian Royal Commission into the Murray Darling.

The court is being asked to consider blocking staff from the authority and federal departments from being summonsed.

Allegations of water theft and rorting sparked the commission, which is being headed by Bret Walker SC.

In a joint statement, the Commonwealth and the basin authority confirmed they have been served with summonses to appear before the Royal Commission.

“The Commonwealth and MDBA’s view is that the Royal Commission cannot compel the Commonwealth or the MDBA to provide documents or give evidence,” a basin authority spokeswoman said.

“The decision to commence these proceedings is not about water resources, the content of the Water Act 2007 or the content and implementation of the basin plan.

“There are broader matters at play here. It is not appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Federal Water and Agricultural Resources Minister David Littleproud said the Government was “considering its position in relation to what engagement it will have” with the commission.

“My priority is to continue to work to ensure that the basin plan is delivered in full and on time,” he said.

Despite the injunction being filed on Tuesday, the commission released a statement that its inquiry is going ahead and public hearings will begin next Monday.

“The Commissioner will not take any active part in those (High Court) proceedings,” it stated.

“As the matter is before the courts, the Commission declines to make any comment.”

The State Government did not comment.