4.1
This chapter highlights some of the key issues discussed during the hearing on cross-portfolio Murray-Darling Basin Plan matters on 26 March 2021.
4.2
The committee heard from the following divisions and portfolio agencies of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department):
Commonwealth Environmental Water Office;
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder;
Murray Darling-Basin Authority;
Inspector-General of Water Compliance; and
Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Regulator.
4.3
The committee also heard from the National Water Grid Authority from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
4.4
Mr Simon Metcalfe AO, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, apologised for the absence of Mr Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive Officer of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
4.5
Topics discussed during the hearing include:
The review of material relating to the purchase of water from Eastern Australian Agriculture;
Conflict of interests register within both the Water Division and the department more broadly;
On-farm projects under the Water for the Environment Special Account;
South Australian watering programs;
Water purchases under the Aboriginal water entitlements program;
Budget for the Water for Fodder program and the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program;
Changes to water recovery programs;
Status of the Dungowan Dam project;
The investigation into Barmah Choke sediment transportation;
Water efficiency regulations for niche manufacturers;
The exclusion of town water from infrastructure spending by the National Water Grid Authority;
The appointment process for the Inspector-General of Water Compliance; and
Enacting legislation for the Inspector-General of Water Compliance.
4.6
The committee also noted evidence given by the department regarding support for dairy farmers during the recent flood event in New South Wales and southern Queensland. Witnesses noted that the department could assist through the deployment of veterinary surgeons to assist with animal welfare issues, in addition to the general Commonwealth payments to individuals that are being rolled out by Services Australia.
4.7
The Department tabled a Dairy Australia Issue Note that was distributed to its membership, outlining the short-term support available for those affected by the floods.
4.8
Despite this activity, the committee notes evidence received throughout its recent inquiry into the Dairy industry that levy payers do not feel that they are being represented adequately in the normal operations of the agency. The committee encourages the Government to ensure that Dairy Australia provide more adequate and responsive representation for farmers.
4.9
The committee recommends that the Government ensure Dairy Australia develop improved accountability mechanisms to ensure the needs and expectations of its levy-paying members are met.
Chair