Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) 2021

# Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) Bill 2021 ## What it does This bill creates a new **Inspector-General of Water Compliance** role and gives them power to investigate whether water users in the Murray-Darling Basin are following the rules. It also updates how water resources are managed across state borders and tightens up enforcement when people break water laws. ## Why it matters Water management in the Murray-Darling Basin has been dogged by compliance issues and disputes between states. Having an independent inspector with real teeth means there's now a single authority to investigate breaches—whether it's farmers taking more water than allowed or states not holding up their end of agreements. This could actually enforce the rules that have been on the books but hard to police. ## Key details - **The Inspector-General role**: A new independent officer who can investigate water breaches and make recommendations (though the bill text here doesn't spell out all their powers—those are in the schedules) - **State approval required**: The law can't start until all Murray-Darling Basin states agree to the changes in writing - **When it kicks in**: Once approved, it commences on a date the Minister announces—but no earlier than after all states sign on, and it must start within 6 months or it automatically begins anyway

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament