Transcript of a speech by Senator Lee Rhiannon on the commencement of construction by Laos and Thailand of the Xayaburi dam. Rhiannon highlights the connection of these developments with Australia, and argues that Australia should work closely with Vietnam and Cambodia to ensure studies are undertaken into transboundary impacts. Rhiannon highlights a letter sent by Save the Mekong Coalition to the Mekong River Commission calling for an immediate suspension to the project and states that Australia has a critical role to play. Delivered 18 November 2012.