Tensions ran high during Monday night’s episode of Q&A when a young farmer called out minister for Water Resources, David Littleproud, for allegedly “not supporting” struggling farmers.
WATCH: Young farmer Kate McBride confronts David Littleproud on Q&A
In an emotionally-charged episode, 21-year-old Kate McBride, from the NSW township of Menindee, challenged the federal minister on several issues relating to the government’s management of water supplies in the region.
Throughout the course of the evening, Mr Littleproud repeatedly defended claims the government isn’t doing enough to support farmers, but one question in particular elicited a heartfelt response from Kate.
When Badger Bates from Wilcannia questioned Mr Littleproud on why the Murray-Darling river was dry, his response of not being able to make it rain, seemingly dissatisfied Kate.
“The only thing that will get the water running into those rivers is stuff from the sky. That is a serious, serious issue that we’ve got. Until we fix the supply, there are going to be constraints on that. I’m sorry. I can’t lie to you,” Mr Littleproud said.
Kate chimed in: “When it does rain, that water is embargoed by the states. So that water can’t actually get down to places like Wilcannia. I’ve been out there and know the people there.”
The 21-year-old went on to say the problem is much greater than people realise and she asked Mr Littleproud why the government isn’t addressing the fact male life expectancy in Wilcannia is 37.
“It’s heartbreaking. That’s where I was born and brought up. It’s my home. Now there’s nothing there. You can hardly go into the shops to get the things you need,” Kate said.
“Our towns have been destroyed. This was being destroyed well before this drought hit and that’s what’s heartbreaking to see that this is so much to do with water management.”
Not afraid to go head-to-head with the politician, Kate even called for a royal commission into the handling of the Murray Darling Basin, which resulted in an overwhelming round of applause from the audience.
Many fans were quick to take to social media to comment on the way the 21-year-old handled herself, with person writing: “After watching that #qanda I think Kate McBride would be a formidable independent.”
Another person added: “Kate McBride on fire tonight, giving both barrels to @D_LittleproudMP he deserves nothing less #qanda.”
