Nationals' Senator Ross Cadell says the decision to appoint a former CEO of the Climate Change Authority to oversee the Water Act Review is as perplexing as it is dangerous to the future of Australia's food security and thousands of regional jobs.
Senator Cadell, the Shadow Minister for Water, Fisheries and Forestry, and Emergency Management, said the decision to appoint Ms Anthea Harris was disappointing.
"We don't doubt Ms Harris has extensive experience in regulation and government and an excellent career record, but it is highly disappointing that they couldn't find a water expert to lead a water review," Cadell said.
"Putting someone from outside the water sector in charge of one of the most important reviews in recent time further reiterates Labor's disinterest in regional Australia," Senator Cadell said.
"This is an appointment dressed up by the government to shrink water supply and heap more pressure on an agriculture sector already struggling with layers of green tape.
"When you appoint someone focused on climate regulation the government is attempting to guarantee the outcome before the review has commenced.
"Labor is letting down regional communities reliant on this review for their future."
Senator Cadell said he was concerned by the review's Terms of Reference which heavily favoured environmental outcomes and fell short of recognising the need and value of irrigators and regional communities.
"The terms of reference draw into scope how the use of environmental water could be optimised to achieve environmental outcomes," he said.
"Environmental water is a very important part of water policy; however, it is now out of control, and the deliverability and effectiveness of the water is failing.
"If the government were wise, they would take the opportunity to closely examine how environmental water can actually be used to improve both the regions and the environment.
"Instead, they have continually chosen to crush regional communities and drive up the cost of food, fibre and the water used to produce it."
