COAG review
The COAG Review of the National Water Commission (NWC) was completed in accordance with the National Water Commission Act 2004 (the NWC Act), and the intergovernmental agreement on a National Water Initiative, and tabled on 14 March 2012.
The NWC is established by the NWC Act, which expires on 30 June 2012.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, appointed Dr David Rosalky to undertake a review which examined what ongoing roles and functions should continue or commence, and provided advice and recommendations on appropriate options and institutional arrangements for implementing such functions.
Review report and Government announcement
Dr Rosalky presented the final report of the review to Senator Farrell on 6 December 2011.
Senator Farrell announced that the Government will continue the National Water Commission to oversee the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) national water reform agenda on 14 March 2012.
Senator Farrell's media release | Commission media release
National Water Commission Amendment Bill
The Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Senator Don Farrell gave the second reading speech for the National Water Commission Amendment Bill 2012 on March 22, 2012. He said that the bill provides for the continuation of the Commission on an ongoing basis beyond its current expiry date of June 30 2012. The Bill provides for the robust and transparent oversight of all Australian governments' national water reform commitments, and in particular the National Water Initiative.
Second reading speech (DOC 34KB) | National Water Commission Amendment Bill 2012 | Explanatory memorandum
Senate Inquiry
The National Water Commission Amendment Bill 2012 (the bill) was referred to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee in its report of 22 March 2012. The committee received seven submissions. No public hearings were held however the committee did seek responses from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
The final report and submissions are available on the Committee website.