Ms BADGER – Following on from Ms Finlay’s line of questioning, it is rather putting the fox in charge of the henhouse with the system we have now. It was always the intent when these self‑managed community‑run irrigation schemes were set up that they were just that, community‑run irrigation schemes. Can you, minister, specifically point to what is legislatively standing in your way from returning the RWE to WISL or the Winnaleah scheme?
Ms HOWLETT – As I stated before, member, discussions are taking place.
Ms BADGER – I understand an offer’s been made and I’ve read your correspondence with the community group. It isn’t specifically what they’re asking for. It does seem rather tokenistic, although it is a positive step in the right direction. My question is, what is legislatively standing in the way of you returning the RWE to WISL for the Winnaleah scheme?
Ms HOWLETT – Discussions are taking place. I’ll ask the deputy secretary to speak more to that.
Ms WILSON – Legislatively the framework was adopted by the parliament and the framework allows for self‑management actions. At the moment, that’s being progressed. Guidance materials and templates are being progressed and we can declare it as an irrigation entity under section 22(6)(b) of the act. We need to make a regulation setting application fees. The processes that parliament has agreed to formally allow this to happen. That process is able to be accessed by the Winnaleah scheme operators and, as the minister says, there are discussions occurring.
Ms BADGER ‑ Not to return the RWE though. Will you begin those discussions to return the RWE to the Winnaleah scheme as the minister is permitted to do under the legislation.
Ms WILSON ‑ Through you, minister –
Ms BADGER ‑ Not the test case that’s been proposed.
Ms WILSON ‑ As indicated the process for self‑irrigation is as prescribed in the act.
Ms FINLAY ‑ There are three different things. The question being asked – if I could be helpful, Chair – is what is stopping you returning the RWE to Winnaleah?
Ms HOWLETT ‑ As I’ve stated – and so has the deputy secretary – discussions are currently taking place.
Ms FINLAY ‑ Are they happy with discussions minister? Sorry, it’s your question.
Ms BADGER ‑ No, that’s okay. It’s both of our questions. It’s quite alright. I don’t believe either of us are getting answers.
Ms FINLAY ‑ That’s a reasonable question. Are they happy with the conversations, minister? It is up to the minister, that’s correct, so what’s stopping you, minister?
Ms BADGER ‑ Perhaps the question is, minister, will you return the RWE to the Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme?
Ms FINLAY ‑ Yes or no?
Ms HOWLETT ‑ As I’ve said, and I’ll state it again, discussions are taking place. I’ve answered the question.
