Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism) (16:53): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator DUNIAM: The Australian government welcomes the commitment of the New South Wales government to secure future water supplies for communities in rural and regional Australia. The drought has highlighted the need to look deliberately and responsibly at new water infrastructure nationally. This is vital for the long-term future of many communities in regional Australia. Any dam approvals, either within the Murray-Darling Basin or outside it, will need to meet any necessary state and federal environmental approvals.