The axing of Australia’s National Water Commission could be part of the conservative Liberal-National federal government’s savings drive.
The decade-old commission, an independent statutory authority that advises the government on water policy, is “in the mix” for cuts.
ABC Radio’s AM program understands it is likely to be wound up as scrapping the commission would save the government about $30 million over four years.
Staff at the commission, which also monitors and audits programs like the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, have been told their future is under review.
The body promotes the objectives and outcomes of Australia’s water reform blueprint, the National Water Initiative.
ABC Radio reports Senator Simon Birmingham, parliamentary secretary to the environment minister, who has responsibility for water policy, has refused to confirm the commission’s fate but says it is under review.
“As everyone appreciates the Government has a huge budget challenge to bring the budget back into a sustainable shape and we’ve made it very clear that all areas of government are under review for efficiency opportunities and of course, across the water portfolio we’re looking at that,” Senator Birmingham said.
“But that doesn’t in any way undermine our commitment to deliver on key policy promises.
“Especially promises like delivering on the Murray-Darling Basin plan in full and on time.”
ABC Radio reports Senator Birmingham said the Liberal-National government was keen to find the most cost-efficient way of receiving advice on water policy.
“The National Water Commission does some very valuable work, what’s important for us is to look at what that work is, how it can best be done and best be undertaken in the context of our policy promises as well as of course, ensuring that we have good environment and water policy advice,” he said.
“Of course, any use of consultants needs to be done as carefully as possible and be as limited as possible to ensure that we’re not wasting taxpayer dollars and that’s what I would expect any and every agency to do now and well into the future.
“Everything is being considered and looked at carefully to ensure that we give taxpayers best value for their money.”
