Structure
The National Water Commission is an independent statutory body within the Australian Government Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts portfolio.
Chair and CEO
The Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Matthews, reports directly to the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, and is accountable to her for the effective and efficient operation of the Commission.
Operational groups
Under the leadership of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, James Cameron, the Commission is structured into a number of operating groups:
Assessment and Policy Coordination Group
Coordinates cross-organisational policy development and delivery, international engagement, and leads assessments in relation to the NWI and National Partnerships Payments. It is responsible for auditing the effectiveness of the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and water resource plans, and also leads Indigenous and northern Australia activities under the RNWS Program.
Water Markets and Efficiency Group
Primary analysis and reporting of water reform matters involving urban water, water industry performance and pricing, water accounting, markets and trading, rural water use and structural adjustment. It also manages a suite of related projects under the RNWS Program and provides advice to inform the Commission's assessment and policy coordination roles.
Sustainable Water Management Group
With the lead role in delivering the $250 million Raising National Water Standards Program, this group is responsible for water reform matters involving water planning and management, water-dependent ecosystems, and groundwater. The group provides advice to inform the Commission's assessment and policy coordination roles.
Corporate Management
Responsible for providing strategic business advice and operational support for the Commission's activities and program areas across a range of services including governance, planning, finance, human resources, information technology and property.
Communication and Parliamentary Liaison
Provides strategic communication advice and manages the Commission's media activities, public affairs, web presence, publications and sponsorships. The team also coordinates stakeholder engagement activities, ministerial and parliamentary services.
Page Functions
Related information
Organisation chart (252KB) - August 2010
National Water Initiative (NWI)