This Opinion deals with 2 parliamentary questions about the Water for Food program, which includes 11 projects designed to increase irrigated agriculture in WA. Water for Food is funded through the Royalties for Regions program.

Legislative Council Question on Notice 4396

In Parliament on 13 September 2016, Hon Darren West MLC asked the Minister:

(1)     Has a business case been prepared for each Water for Food project?

(2)     If yes to (1), will the Minister table business cases for each Water for Food project?

(3)     If no to (2), why not?

On 17 November 2016, the Minister declined to table the business cases, replying:

(1)     Yes

(2)     No

(3)     The business cases cannot be released as they are Cabinet-in-confidence documents.

On 22 November 2016, the Minister notified the Auditor General of her decision not to provide the requested information in accordance with section 82 of the FM Act.

Legislative Council Question on Notice 4565

In Parliament on 20 October 2016, Hon Robin Chapple MLC, asked the Minister[1]:

I refer to the Water for Food project at Mowanjum, and I ask:

(b)     will the Minister release the business case for the project;

(c)     if no to (b), why not;

On 23 November 2016, the Minister declined to table the Mowanjum project business case, replying:

(b)     No

(c)     The business case is not available for release as it is Cabinet-in-confidence.

On 25 November 2016, the Minister notified the Auditor General of her decision not to provide the requested information in accordance with section 82 of the FM Act.

[1] Question 4565 included 15 parts (a to o). This section 82 notice concerns only parts (b) and (c).