The federal and SA governments are now being accused of working together to nobble the commission, which is examining how the Murray–Darling Basin plan was drafted and implemented. Whether any laws have been – or are being – broken is central.
It is fairly standard for royal commissions to seek an extension.
It is equally standard for governments, if asked, to grant them.
SA Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick, whose party was formerly the Nick Xenophon Team, has condemned the refusal to assist.
Patrick won support from Labor and the Greens on Wednesday to have the Senate issue its own demand for the documents. Unlike the state-based royal commission, the Commonwealth parliament’s power to make such an order is not in dispute.
Inland Rivers Network 