The Australian government is effectively spending A$95 million so it can sell water to farmers for A$10 million.
- Professor of Economics and Head of School, Adelaide University
The question in drought relief is this: do we want more or fewer people to be involved in a farming activity that is vulnerable to drought?
The government’s Future Drought Fund flies in the face of years of work classifying drought as to be expected rather than a disaster.
The latest Murray-Darling Basin scandal calls into question whether the government is using public money wisely.
A dozen leading researchers have issued an urgent call to action for the Murray-Darling Basin, arguing that the billions spent on water-efficient irrigation have done little for the rivers’ health.
Tempers have flared once again over the long-term plan to return water to the Murray-Darling River and improve its health.
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan - aiming to return water and restore the health of the river - was passed in 2007 with bipartisan support. The plan is one of the main components of the Commonwealth Water…
Australian Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has handed down his sixth budget, facing an almost impossible task: how to reconcile an enormous revenue shortfall with big spending promises, all while keeping…
The notion that Australia is the driest inhabited continent on the planet has created a persistent stereotype. Recent weather shows it to be misguided. It suits embarrassed planners, myopic politicians…
Reaching agreement on a Murray-Darling Basin Plan is undoubtedly a significant political accomplishment. The water resources of the Murray-Darling have been the basis of disagreement between states, industries…
A common catchcry used to bemoan any proclivity of the state to reach into individual decision-making is “keep government out of the bedroom”. The equivalent mantra for economists involved in analysing…
As the final version of the Murray-Darling Plan heads to Parliament there seems little doubt that the debate will continue. The sticking point remains the volume of water to be returned to the environment…
The revelation that water users in Melbourne have been over-charged to the tune of $300 million highlights deficiencies in the mechanics of setting water prices in that state. Unfortunately, the flaws…
When the water planning process for the Murray-Darling Basin first commenced, an experienced colleague of mine noted that this was shaping up to be a lying contest between farmers and environmentalists…
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