Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young today moved that the Rural and Regional Affairs Committee “urgently inquire into the availability of water for the Murray River’s lower lakes and Coorong regions, to save our Storm Boy country”, which was supported unanimously.

“Today we moved from talk to action to save a national icon and help Australians in need,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

"There’s nothing Australians can’t achieve when all sides of politics work together."

The motion for the inquiry was co-sponsored by Greens Senators Rachel Siewert and Bob Brown, as well as South Australian Senators Nick Xenophon, Simon Birmingham and Mary Jo Fisher.

“The multi-party support indicates the scope of this environmental crisis.

"It shows acceptance by all sides of politics that we have to act,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“There is an opportunity for water holders throughout the entire system to provide the water needed to address this crisis, with compensation systems to be investigated to ensure their water needs are met in the future,” said Senator Rachel Siewert.

“Now all the states must also get behind this initiative.”

Senator Hanson-Young’s moving of the Senate Inquiry motion was her first act in parliament, following her swearing-in as a new Senator yesterday.

“Now that the Inquiry can get underway, the focus will turn to how the Senate can assist the Government to locate, purchase and transmit water to the Coorong before Christmas,” she said.

“Finally we are starting to see the political will that is so desperately needed to save our Storm Boy country.”