Reports in The Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend indicate that Minister Burke is purging the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for producing a Guide to the Draft Basin Plan consistent with the terms of the Water Act.

"Minister Burke has sacked people for doing their job" Senator Barnaby Joyce said today.

"The Murray-Darling Basin Authority produced a report that gave precedence to the environment, but we now know that is what the Act requires, in both its objects (section 3) and the basis on which the plan is to be developed (section 21).

"It is not public servants' fault for undertaking their duty under an Act of parliament.

“Meanwhile, the Minister responsible for the Murray-Darling mess, Penny Wong, has been promoted to be the Minister for Finance. Now busily scrapping many of the wasteful programs she oversaw as Minister for Climate Change and Water.

"These sackings are even more surprising given that the Government has not removed one public servant from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities over the ceiling insulation and Green Loans debacles.

"The Government must get serious and investigate the Act. Putting mates in jobs to give you the answers you want provides no protection against a High Court challenge in the future.

"The only way to provide certainty to everyone in the Murray-Darling is to take the time to get the right solution now."