[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Government dodges water scrutiny in Senate Estimates

[Bowden, Vanessa (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA RELEASE
27 May 2014

Government dodges water scrutiny in Senate Estimates

The Australian Greens have said the future sustainability of Australian water is at risk after questions at Senate Estimates on the transferral of the role of the National Water Commission were left largely unanswered.

"As the rampant expansion of the mining industry continues across the nation, an independent commission to oversee the impacts of mining on our water supply is crucial," said Greens spokesperson for water Senator Lee Rhiannon.

"The revelation that only 5 of the 38 staff from the National Water Commission are likely to be able to remain with the Environment Department will be a massive loss of corporate knowledge and scrutiny of Australian water policy.

"The National Water Commission has highlighted the need for the states to include the impact mining and coal seam gas on water in their legislative instruments. Who will do this important work when they are wound down at the end of the year?

"Senator Birmingham's comments that there will be a 'level of independence' are little comfort for those concerned about the broader environmental picture when it comes to water.

"With the transfer of the EPBC to the states, the Abbott government has been running away from environmental issues as fast as it can.

"We will be watching closely where the government goes with this. There must be independent oversight of water policy and legislation, and a willingness from the government to intervene if the states are failing to protect our water supplies.

"In a country like Australia, where our water is increasingly vulnerable to both climate change and mining developments, federal oversight of water policy is crucial.

"The closure of the National Water Commission is yet another attempt to silence concerns about the impacts of mining", said Senator Lee Rhiannon.

Contact: 0487 350 880


Vanessa Bowden
Policy Adviser
Office of Senator Lee Rhiannon | Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales

72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: (02) 9211 9523 | f: (02) 9211 3312

http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/

Our Sydney office is on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora nation.