Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023

The majority voted in favour of an amendment introduced by Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie, which means it will be included in the bill.

What does the amendment do?

Ms Sharkie explained that:

The reason for this amendment is really around transparency and accountability. This amendment will require the minister to come into the parliament each financial year and explain to the parliament and to the nation exactly where we are with respect to the 450 gigalitres and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in general.

Amendment text

(1) Schedule 1, page 10 (after line 29), after item 20, insert:

21 After Division 4 of Part 2

Insert:

Division 4A — Annual progress reports relating to water recovery targets

85AB Secretary to prepare annual reports

(1) The Secretary must prepare an annual report on the activities undertaken for the purpose of making progress towards the following:

(a) increasing the volume of the Basin water resources that is available for environmental use by 450 gigalitres;

(b) the Commonwealth's water recovery target in relation to SDL resource units (as defined in the Basin Plan);

(c) projects that relate to adjustments of long-term average sustainable diversion limits under section 23A;

(d) any other matter specified by the Minister in writing.

(2) The Secretary must prepare a report under subsection (1) in relation to:

(a) the financial year beginning on 1 July 2023; and

(b) each subsequent financial year up to and including the financial year beginning on 1 July 2027.

(3) The Secretary must provide each report under subsection (1) in relation to a financial year to the Minister by 30 October in the following financial year.

(4) The Minister must cause a copy of each report under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.