List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

2.67

The committee recommends that the Inspector-General of Water Compliance works with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and basin states to finalise a memorandum of understanding as a matter of priority. The memorandum of understanding should, amongst other things, clarify responsibilities and data sharing arrangements.

Recommendation 2

2.69

The committee recommends that the Inspector-General of Water Compliance works with stakeholders and basin states to avoid duplication and provide quality information on its compliance, oversight and inquiry activities in plain English.

Recommendation 3

2.72

The committee recommends that the Australian Government better publicises the Inspector-General of Water Compliance's functions through the development of an information campaign. The campaign should, amongst other things, clarify how the Inspector-General of Water Compliance's role interacts with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and basin state agencies.

Recommendation 4

2.74

The committee recommends that the Australian Government assesses whether the Inspector-General of Water Compliance is adequately resourced to conduct in-depth investigations into allegations of non-compliance.

Recommendation 5

2.75

The committee recommends that the Australian Government considers whether the Inspector-General's current portfolio arrangements are appropriate and whether alternative arrangements could improve actual, or perceived, independence.

Recommendation 6

2.78

The committee recommends the Australian Government strengthens protections afforded to individuals who disclose information to the Inspector-General of Water Compliance.

Recommendation 7

2.80

The committee recommends that the Australian Government reviews penalty provisions under the Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector‑General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2021 to ensure penalties are sufficient to deter offenders and proportionate to harm caused.

Recommendation 8

2.82

The committee recommends that the Australian Government amends the Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2021 to require the responsible Minister to table the following reports in each House of the Parliament:

reports into audits under section 73L and 73M;

annual reports under section 215Y;

reports on inquiries conducted by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance under sections 239AE and 239AF; and

guidelines issued by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance under section 215V.

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