Stand up to Nats bullying on water: Labor

Labor has warned Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to leave water policy with the environment department rather than move it into agriculture.

Labor's urging the prime minister to stand up to the Nationals over control of water policy. (AAP)

Labor is urging the prime minister to stand up to bullying by the Nationals and allow the environment minister to retain control of water policy.

Under a deal Malcolm Turnbull negotiated with the junior coalition partner, responsibility for water was moved to the agriculture portfolio held by Nationals deputy leader Barnaby Joyce and assisted by South Australian Liberal Anne Ruston.

Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday it was wrong for Mr Turnbull to trick Mr Joyce into believing he would control water policy.