About the National Water Commission
The National Water Commission is an independent statutory body in the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts portfolio. Its role is to drive the national water reform agenda. Established under the National Water Commission Act 2004, the Commission provides advice to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australian Government on national water issues.
Seven Commissioners make up the National Water Commission. The Commissioners are appointed in recognition of their expertise in water resource policies and management, relevant scientific disciplines, public sector governance and administration of natural resource programmes. The Commission also has a small staff to enable it to undertake its role.
The full responsibilities of the Commission are set out under the National Water Commission Act 2004. The three main functions are to:
- assess governments’ progress in implementing the National Water Initiative (e.g. through biennial assessments of progress commencing in 2006–07)
- help governments to implement the National Water Initiative (e.g. by acting as lead facilitator on certain actions under the Initiative such as compatible registers of water entitlements and trades, and nationally consistent approaches to pricing), and
- administer two programmes under the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund—the Water Smart Australia and Raising National Water Standards programmes, including recommending projects for decision by the Australian Government.
National Water Commission organisational structure
(click to view larger image)
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility for the operations of the National Water Commission. The CEO chairs the Executive Management Group, is responsible for Commission administration, communications and stakeholder engagement and corporate management
Water Science Group
This group oversees the Australian Water Resources assessment. Results from the Australian Water Resources 2005 baseline assessment are now available at www.water.gov.au. The group also has responsibility for water data and science and for some aspects of the Raising National Water Standards Programme.
Water Reform Group
This group is responsible for overseeing environmental, Indigenous and water entitlement aspects of the National Water Initiative, Murray Darling Basin and climate change issues. This group monitors and reports on the progress of state and territory agencies in implementing the National Water Initiative. The group also has the lead role in implementing the Raising National Water Standards Programme across the National Water Commission.Links
National Water Commission Bill Explanatory Memorandum
Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative(PDF 310KB) | (RTF 343KB)