- National Water Commission
-
The National Water Commission (NWC) is an independent statutory body within the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities that was established under the National Water Commission Act 2004 to implement the National Water Initiative and reform the broader national water agenda.[1] The Commission also advises Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australian Government on national water issues and the progress of the National Water Initiative.
The National Water Commission was established as a result of the Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative (NWI) signed in June 2004 by the Australian Government and the governments of all states and territories. The NWI reflects a whole-of-government commitment to share water between competing environmental, social and economic needs. The Commission was set up administratively in October 2004 and by June 2005 the new body was operational.
One key function that the Commission provided was to advise the Prime Minister on expenditure of the Australian Government Water Fund between 2004 and 2010.[2] This included three programs: Water Smart Australia; Raising National Water Standards Program and Australian Water Fund Communities. The Commission managed more than 170 projects under the Raising National Water Standards Program.[3] The Raising National Water Standards Program facilitated investment in Australia's ability to measure, monitor and manage its water resources.[2]
The Commission also has an assessment role for National Partnership Payments. This task is undertaken under delegation from the COAG Reform Council. Under the Water Act 2007, the Commission has a new, ongoing function to audit the effectiveness of implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and associated water resource plans.
The National Water Commission published a report on the future need for desalination technologies to play a role in securing Australia’s water supplies.[4] It also publishes a biennial assessment of progress in implementation of the National Water Initiative, the latest being in October 2009. The 2009 assessment nominates areas of slow or inadequate reform and makes 68 recommendations for action over the next two years.[5]
The current acting CEO of the NWC is James Cameron who reports directly to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and is accountable to him for the effective and efficient operation of the Commission. The chair of the NWC is Chloe Munro, who is also a NWC Commissioner[6] - These positions were formally occupied by Ken Matthews who retired in October 2010.[7] Seven commissioners (one position is currently vacant due to retirement - Mr Rob Freeman will become commissioner of the National Water Commission on 1 June 2011)[8] make up the National Water Commission, all of whom are appointed by the Australian Government for terms of up to three years. They are Professor Stuart Bunn, Ms Chloe Munro, Ms Elaine Gardiner, Ms Sally Farrier, Mr Chris Davis and Mr Lawrence Arthur.[9]
Four commissioners are nominated by the Australian Government and three by the states and territories. Commissioners are not representatives of any jurisdiction or industry sector. The role of the commissioners is to provide advice on the strategic policy framework for the Commission, to provide guidance on major reports or other advice to the minister or to COAG and to promote the role of the Commission and the NWI reforms.[9]
See also
- Climate change in Australia#Water
- Irrigation in Australia
- Murray-Darling Basin Authority
- Water data transfer format
- Water supply and sanitation in Australia
References
- ^ Role and functions. National Water Commission.
- ^ a b Pigram, John J. (2007). Australia's Water Resources: From use to management. Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Pubishing. p. 79. ISBN 9780643094420.
- ^ NWC Annual Report 2009-2010. National Water Commission.
- ^ Emerging trends in desalination: A review. Waterlines report No 9 - October 2008.
- ^ "Australian water reform 2009". Australian Government National Water Commission. http://www.nwc.gov.au/www/html/147-introduction---2009-biennial-assessments.asp?intSiteID=1. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/12/3215027.htm
- ^ Australian Water Markets Report 2009-10. National Water Commission.
- ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/12/3215027.htm
- ^ a b Commissioners. National Water Commission.
External links
Categories:- Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia
- Water in Australia
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