Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) (16:18): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RUSTON: The Liberal-National government is investing nearly $2.6 billion through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility. These programs accelerate the construction of economically viable water infrastructure that will deliver secure and affordable water, which will underpin the growth of regional economies and build resilience to drought. The Bradfield Scheme requires a high up-front capital cost that, coupled with the ongoing running cost, would make the project unviable.