The Hon. ROBERT BROWN: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Roads and Ports, representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and refers to the impact on Murray communities of the Federal Government's draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Is the Minister aware of a report that predicts massive impacts on the Berrigan, Jerilderie, Wakool, Deniliquin, Conargo and Murray shires, with Finley, Berrigan and Deniliquin to be hardest hit? With the prediction that in its current form the draft plan will see these areas lose a minimum of 550 full-time jobs, will the Minister now recommend New South Wales withdraw from the entire process until all relevant concerns are properly addressed?

The Hon. DUNCAN GAY: I thank the honourable member for his question and note the comment from a member of the Opposition that it is a good question.

The Hon. Trevor Khan: Name him.

The Hon. DUNCAN GAY: I will not name him but we all heard that comment, and it is an appropriate comment. Frankly, what the inquiry has been doing to New South Wales and to the people of regional Australia is pretty horrendous—headed up, dare I say, by a former member of this Parliament. The care and consideration for the people who live outside the city, the people living in regional and rural New South Wales who contribute to the wealth of our country—

The Hon. Jeremy Buckingham: Started by John Howard.

The Hon. DUNCAN GAY: Here come The Greens. We are two days into a session and nobody has moved a motion of condolence for Dear Leader. What has happened to the North Korean faction of The Greens? They have forgotten about him already. Gone for a week and forgotten. The question is a serious one. I will refer it to the Minister for Primary Industries and get a detailed response for the member.