“Hush Money”: NSW Government takes bribe from Federal Government to sell out Murray-Darling Basin communities.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has slammed the NSW Government for accepting a $15 million payment from the Federal Government which is designed to as compensate for damage done by Commonwealth Water Buybacks.  

“This money is hush money,” Helen said. “And by taking this money, the NSW Government is selling out the regions and legitimising the devastating buybacks.” 

The $15 million payment is part of $160 million the Federal Government has offered as compensation to Murray-Darling Basin communities which will are being devastated by 450 gigalitres worth of Commonwealth water buybacks.  

“The Commonwealth does not need this water, rural communities do.” Helen said. “It’s not compensation. It’s a bribe. It’s hush money and we don’t want it.”  

Ms Dalton is calling on the NSW Government to send the $15 million payment back to the Commonwealth and fight against the buybacks.  

“Right now the Minns Government is selling out rural NSW. They just need to stop the Commonwealth buybacks before they cause even more devastation.”