INDEPENDENT REVIEW INTO MURRAY-DARLING WATER COMPLIANCE

The Albanese Labor Government is undertaking an independent review into the Inspector-General for Water Compliance as part of its commitment to strengthen water compliance in the Murray–Darling Basin.

​Questions have been raised over the effectiveness of water compliance across the Murray–Darling Basin, including the Inspector-General’s ability to monitor and act against those taking more than their fair share.

​The review, led by Mr Peter Harris AO, aims to ensure the Inspector-General has the relevant powers to carry out its functions. These functions include:

​taking enforcement action for illegal activities;

• conducting audits into compliance and publishing reports; and
• issuing standards and guidelines to be applied by government agencies.

The review will include engagement with relevant stakeholders and will report back to the Government by January 2024.

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Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:

​“In Australia, water is our most precious resource and we must make sure it’s managed appropriately.

​“This independent review will provide recommendations to Government on any changes required to ensure the Inspector-General can effectively monitor Basin states, and hold them to account, if more water is extracted from our rivers than is allowed.

​“Mr Harris brings with him a wealth of experience in the public sector, and has previously led on large-scale reviews including the Sydney Airport Demand Management Scheme in 2021.

​“We are committed to delivering the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in full, and we will continue to engage with communities to ensure we are restoring trust and transparency across the Basin.”

​ENDS