02/08/2019

Murray-Darling Basin Inspector-General To Oversee Water Efficiency, Compliance And Allegations Of Theft

ABC Rural - Kath Sullivan


Key Points
  • A new, basin-wide inspector-general is to be appointed to enforce the Water Act 2007

  • The role must investigate suspected water theft and monitor water recovery and efficiency projects

  • The inspector-general is to hold the MDBA, states and the Commonwealth to account on delivering the basin plan
A "tough cop" will be appointed to oversee the integrity of the entire Murray-Darling Basin under a proposal by Water Minister David Littleproud.
The statutory role of inspector-general would monitor compliance, investigate suspected water theft, and check that water recovery and efficiency projects are delivered.
Mr Littleproud said the inspector-general would "hold the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Commonwealth and all states to account … and ensure laws governing water use are followed".
"This is a new, tough cop on the beat across the Murray-Darling with the powers needed to ensure integrity in the delivery of the basin plan," Mr Littleproud said.
The new role is expected to be established by 2020 and have powers under the Water Act 2007. (ABC Rural: Brett Worthington, file photo)
"We want to maintain confidence in the basin plan and this role will be pivotal to achieve that, and deliver the plan by 2024," he said.
The new role is expected to be established by 2020 and have powers under the Water Act 2007.
Mr Littleproud said the inspector-general would have the ability to refer issues to the Commonwealth Integrity Commission and would be supported with offices and staff in the northern and southern basins.
"The public needs to know the basin plan is delivering the water it was intended to, and farmers need to know the plan is working as it should," he said.
The appointment of the inspector-general for the Murray-Darling Basin would be a matter for the Federal Cabinet, but Mr Littleproud hoped former
AFP commissioner Mick Keelty would fill the
Mr Littleproud hoped former AFP commissioner Mick Keelty would fill the position in the interim. (AAP: Daniel Munoz, file photo)
position in the interim.
Mr Keelty began a three-year term as Northern Basin Commissioner, with similar responsibilities to the inspector-general role, last September.
"It is in respect of what he has achieved. It has meant we have been able try to roll that position out across the basin and ensure it has more teeth," Mr Littleproud said.
The proposal will be put to a meeting of basin state water ministers in Canberra on Sunday.
It is expected to be the first meeting of the ministers following mass fish kills in the lower Darling, and the completion of a Productivity Commission report and South Australian Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

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