Federal Water Minister David Littleproud has called for state governments to back tough new compliance powers for the man slated to police the Murray-Darling Basin.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Littleproud will reiterate the case to give the inspector-general wide-ranging powers through federal laws at a ministerial meeting in Brisbane on Tuesday.
"The inspector-general needs powers to compel evidence and call witnesses so he can make recommendations," the minister said.
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty is acting in the role on an interim basis.
Victoria and NSW have raised concerns with handing over power to Mr Keelty, who the federal government have also tasked with an inquiry into water management across the basin.
Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville is concerned the same person responsible for compliance could recommend changes to water-sharing arrangements through the inquiry.
Mr Littleproud said farmers had asked for the investigation and backed the inspector-general role.
"This will require basin states to share their powers with the inspector-general so they can shine the light on basin plan implementation and make recommendations," he said.
"The states will retain fully all their existing powers enshrined in their legislation."
Victoria and NSW are also calling for major changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
A report commissioned by the key states found the plan's 2024 deadline for allowing more environmental water to be released into the river system has a "high chance of failure" if changes are not made.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey and Ms Neville want the deadline removed.
"NSW is gripped by the worst drought on record. We have already done the heavy lifting for the basin plan and our communities are suffering as a result," Ms Pavey said.
NSW has threatened to pull out of the plan in recent months.
Convoy to Canberra co-organiser Darcy Hare, who met with Mr Littleproud during a rally earlier this month, said changes to the plan were needed urgently.
"We must stop the waste of water, whether it is unnatural forest flooding from pushing rivers beyond their capacity, the transmission losses, or the massive evaporation losses in the Lower Lakes," he said.
He said it was imperative Mr Keelty be given "locked in stone" powers to ensure rogue states couldn't dodge responsibility.
Australian Associated Press