Inspector-General of Water Compliance

The Australian Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC) is an independent regulatory position which has been held by the Hon. Troy Grant since 5 August 2021, the same date the position came into formation.[1] It is one of three positions in the Office of Water Compliance, a part of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment portfolio.[2][3] The role was first proposed by former Water Minister David Littleproud in August 2019, with the position beginning as an interim from 16 December 2020 headed by Troy Grant up until its official formation.[4][5]

Inspector-General of Water Compliance of Australia
Incumbent
Troy Grant
since 5 August 2021
Office of Water Compliance
StyleThe Honourable
TypeIndependent regulator
AbbreviationIGWC
Formation5 August 2021
First holderTroy Grant
Websitehttps://www.igwc.gov.au/

The IGWC was formed as an independent regulator to ensure that the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and responsible state governments are complying with water requirements for the Murray-Darling basin under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and Water Act 2007.[6][7] Before its formation, water compliance was enforced by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, a Commonwealth agency, but its powers have been since transferred to the IGWC which performs enforcement independent of the Australian Government. If responsible authorities for the Murray-Darling are deemed to be performing inadequately and are unable to come to agreements, the IGWC can enact an intervention through the Water Act 2007 or Minister for Resources and Water, as well as having the ability to refer issues to the Commonwealth Integrity Commission.[4][6][8][9][10]

Controversies

Appointment of Troy Grant and partisanship

On 16 December 2020, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on controversy surrounding Troy Grant being appointed as the Inspector-General, with state water ministers criticising it as they believed "a bipartisan appointment would better serve communities along the river system". The appointment also drew criticism from the ministers and NSW Nationals due to an apparent "lack of consultation", as well as Grant having been an ex-politician at the time. The former NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey told SMH that "NSW was not consulted on this appointment, and we oppose it on the basis that in the interests of bringing basin states together we must appoint someone who is bipartisan".[7]

Notable events

Troy Grant announces intent to enact Water Act intervention (2022)

On 2 June 2022, ABC News reported on Troy Grant's heavy criticism of the NSW Government in regards to its "failure to produce water resource plans", and went on to say that this "critical failure of the Murray-Darling basin plan" meant that water compliance "cannot be legally enforced". Grant had "told an audience in Mildura the Commonwealth government should use its 'step-in' powers under the Water Act to intervene if the situation continues" and that his first conversation with the federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek would be on this matter. The NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson responded to Grant's criticisms and said that he would be working with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to solve the problems, and that he is "looking forward to meeting with the new Commonwealth Water Minister".[9]

References
  1. "New independent regulator to restore community confidence in management of the Murray-Darling Basin". 6 August 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  2. "Inspector-General of Water Compliance". Inspector-General of Water Compliance. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  3. "Office of Water Compliance". Directory.gov.au. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  4. Sullivan, Kath (1 August 2019). "Murray-Darling Basin inspector-general to oversee water efficiency, compliance and allegations of theft". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  5. Jasper, Clint (16 December 2020). "Murray-Darling Basin's revamped compliance role to be headed by former NSW deputy premier Troy Grant". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  6. "Inspector-General of Water Compliance - Frequently Asked Questions" (PDF). August 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  7. Foley, Mike (16 December 2020). "Former NSW Nationals leader appointed national 'tough cop' on water". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  8. Foley, Mike (16 August 2021). "Legal powers for 'tough cop' water chief as rivers bounce back from drought". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  9. Siebert, Bension; Hollingworth, Kellie (2 June 2022). "Water compliance chief accuses NSW of 'most critical failure' of Murray Darling Basin Plan". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  10. "Troy Grant on his vision for Australia's first Inspector-General of water compliance for the Murray Darling Basin". Abc.net.au. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
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