Inspector-General of Water Compliance
IGWC
5 August 2021 – present
Independent statutory regulator that oversees, monitors and enforces compliance with Commonwealth water law in the Murray-Darling Basin, including the Basin Plan and water resource plans, and holds governments and water users to account.
How it came into existence
Established on 5 August 2021 by the Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2021, which amended the Water Act 2007. It replaced the interim inspector-general and took over compliance and enforcement functions from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
- Oversight of Basin water compliance
- Basin Plan compliance and enforcement
Legislation: Water Act 2007; Water Legislation Amendment (Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2021
Changes during its life
- 1 July 2022Moved to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio.
Main functions
- Compliance and enforcement under the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan
- Oversight of Basin governments' implementation of water resource plans
- Monitoring water take, metering and measurement
- Audits, inquiries and investigations
- Engagement and education on water compliance
Where it sits
In the portfolio of Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
- Australian Government Organisations Register (Department of Finance, data.gov.au) (listed from 30 September 2021 to the latest release (30 June 2026))