Chapter 4 Cross-Portfolio Murray-Darling Basin Plan Matters

4.1

This chapter highlights some of the key issues discussed during the hearing on cross-portfolio Murray-Darling Basin Plan matters on 8 April 2022.

4.2

The committee heard from the following divisions and portfolio agencies of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department):

Inspector-General of Water Compliance;

Water Division;

Commonwealth Environmental Water Office;

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder; and

Murray Darling-Basin Authority (MDBA).

4.3

The Hon Troy Grant, Inspector-General of Water Compliance, gave a short opening statement, touching on:

work with the department on creating positions for the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program;

the role of the regulatory leader’s forum comprised of state representatives in discussing matters of priority in compliance reporting; and

the completion of four investigations since the previous estimates round.1

4.4

Topics discussed throughout the hearing included:

provision of the second Review of the Water for the Environment Special Account report;

appointment of a new CEO for the MDBA;

potential public register of interests in water rights;

update on the delivery of 450 gigalitres of water to South Australia;

appointment of the Chair for the Modernising Murray River Systems technical panel; and

Sustainable Diversion Limit mechanism projects in New South Wales.2

Senator Susan McDonald

Chair

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