Ms Anthea Harris has been appointed as the Independent Reviewer to lead the Water Act Review. The terms of reference for the review have also been released today.
The Water Act 2007 provides the legislative framework for managing Australia's largest water resource - the Murray-Darling Basin - in the national interest, as well as for providing information on national water resources.
The Water Act requires that a review must occur before the end of 2027, to consider whether the current Act is fit for purpose and can respond to challenges like climate change.
Ms Harris is a recognised and respected figure across the climate change, energy and environmental sectors, most recently working as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Change Authority and CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator.
She has been a key advocate and advisor for both government and industry for more than two decades and was a leading expert in the establishment of carbon pollution reduction policies.
The independent review will be supported by a First Nations Adviser, who will work with Ms Harris to provide guidance on First Nations perspectives and priorities.
This will ensure First Nations Peoples' views are embedded in the review's analysis, recommendations, and engagement.
Minister for Water, Murray Watt said the review will ensure the best possible management of Australia's major water source.
"The Albanese Government is delivering the most significant modernisation of national water policy in almost two decades," Minister Watt said.
"Alongside the review currently underway on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Water Act Review will examine opportunities to improve how we safeguard our water resources while supporting communities, driving agricultural and industrial growth, and protecting the environment.
"As with all major reviews, it's essential we consider the progress made under existing policies, to look at what's working and where we can do better.
"The independent Water Act Review will include meaningful engagement with stakeholders from across agriculture, industry, local government, community and environmental groups, and First Nations."
Several other Commonwealth-led statutory water reviews and processes will take place through to the end of 2027, including reviews of the Basin Plan, Inspector General of Water Compliance and Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed.
The Water Act Review will consider and build on these bodies of work, enabling Government to set the next phase of the Basin Plan for the coming decade.
The Water Act Review is due to be delivered to Government by 28 February 2027.
