The review will specifically look at the Inspector-General for Water Compliance’s ability to take action against those who take more water than they are entitled.
Former Productivity Commission chair Peter Harris will lead the review, which will report back to the government by January and is aimed at ensuring the Inspector-General has the requisite powers.
Mr Harris has previously led the Victorian Government’s sustainability and environment departments.
Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said Australia’s “most precious resource” must be 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,” Ms Plibersek said.
“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.”
The Inspector-General of Water Compliance was officially established in August 2021, and ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Murray-Darling Basin comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 and Murray-Darling Basin Plan 2012.
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