National Water Commission under review and under threat

Parliamentary Secretary to the Environment Minister Simon Birmingham has acknowledged that the National Water Commission (NWC) is under review. While he has not confirmed that the independent agency will be abolished, ABC Radio believes this to be likely.

In an interview on the ABC’s AM program, Senator Birmingham stated, “The government has a huge budget challenge to bring the budget back into a sustainable shape, and we’ve made it very clear that all areas of government are under review for efficiency opportunities and, of course, across the water portfolio we’re looking at that.

The ABC has reported that the abolition of the commission would save the government about $30 million over four years.

For the past 10 years, the National Water Commission has provided independent and public advice to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australian Government by assessing, auditing and monitoring water reform progress, such as the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

But Senator Birmingham noted that the government also receives advice from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Department of the Environment and the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, and the use of private consultants could be on the cards in the future.

“The National Water Commission does some very valuable work,” he said. “What’s important for us is to look at what that work is, how it can best be done and best be undertaken in the context of our policy promises, as well as, of course, ensuring that we have good environment and water policy advice.

“Everything is being considered and looked at carefully to ensure that we give taxpayers best value for their money,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Adam Lovell, has shown his support for the commission, asking the government “to retain key NWC functions, particularly in industry reform leadership and national performance reporting”.

“The NWC has achieved a great deal in providing national leadership and administering the National Water Initiative (NWI),” he said, referring to the agreement signed by all Australian governments to achieve a more cohesive national approach to the way we manage water.

“Urban water management is critical to Australia’s cities and towns,” Lovell said.

“NWI needs renewed commitment and updating for urban water, particularly around stormwater and waterway health. This will ensure our water resources meet the challenges of a growing population and the impacts of climate change.”

Lovell also acknowledged the transparency of the NWC’s annual National Performance Reports, which “provide important benchmarks in accessing how efficiently and cost effectively the industry services government and consumers”, he said.

WSAA is the peak body that represents the urban water utilities in Australia