SA politicians are fuming after the Federal Government moved to stop witnesses appearing before the Murray Royal Commission

A LEGAL move to stop witnesses being called in front of the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission has been slammed as a “stunning betrayal” and “an act of treachery, contempt and bastardry”.

A LEGAL move to stop witnesses being called in front of the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission has been condemned as a “stunning betrayal” and “an act of treachery, contempt and bastardry”.

The commission was sparked by accusations of water theft and rorting upstream, and Commissioner Bret Walker is confident he has the right to summon witnesses. However, the Federal Government and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority have asked the High Court to intervene.

Labor labelled it a “stunning betrayal” and called on Premier Steven Marshall to demand the Federal Government abandon the action, “which would only serve to help irrigators stealing water from SA”.

“It’s time for Steven Marshall to decide whose side he is on – South Australians or east coast irrigators,” Opposition water spokeswoman Susan Close said.

SA-BEST said it was “an act of treachery, contempt and bastardry”.

MLCs Frank Pangallo and Connie Bonaros tied the move to the Mayo by-election, saying candidate Rebekha Sharkie would fight for the state’s rights.

“(Water Minister David) Littleproud’s decision to go to the High Court is a clear indication the Commonwealth has a lot to hide,” Mr Pangallo said.

“I am suspicious about his intentions. He appears to be protecting his National Party mates who want to see the Murray-Darling Basin Plan collapse.”

Ms Bonaros said the Federal Government should call off the challenge in the name of transparency.

The move was “a real kick in the guts”, she said.

Protesters at the Murray Mouth, campaigning to protect the water promised for the river system.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the intervention would not “immediately impede the operation of the commission” as there were “ a number of other witnesses who are very keen” to give evidence.

Ms Chapman said it was Mr Walker’s “view that he has the power to do it and he would like to have their evidence presented – both in documents and orally”.

Most royal commissions are federal, so this legal manoeuvre is a way to test how far state laws can extend. The Government will be concerned that it could set a precedent for states to demand federal employees appear before their own inquiries.

In a joint statement the Commonwealth and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority said they had been issued with summonses from the Royal Commission but that their view was the commission had no right to compel witnesses, a view they want to test in the High Court.

“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,” the statement said.

The Greens also tied the issue to Mayo, where a by-election will be held next month.

SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the people of Mayo would be “fuming”.

“We know there has been corruption, water theft, and for those of us at the bottom end of the river, we know that the environment is not getting the water it needs,” she said.

“This does nothing to restore trust with River communities, or faith in the Murray Darling Basin Plan.”

The commission’s public hearings begin on Monday.