Deniliquin-based Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey welcomes the formalisation of the appointment of Troy Grant as the Inspector-General of Water Compliance for the Commonwealth.
Senator Davey said Mr Grant, who has been acting in this role since 16 December 2020, has proven to be highly efficient and capable in the role.
“With over 30 years of public service in Government and Law Enforcement including 22 years in the New South Wales Police, I believe Mr Grant has the right skills and experience for this role.
“Mr Grant has already been playing a crucial role in ensuring compliance right across the basin and has been out and about working with the industry to better understand the regulatory environment,” Senator Davey said.
Senator Davey said water is so important to our environment and contributes significantly to our regional economies across state boundaries, which is why compliance is so important.
“With numerous state water regulatory bodies across Australia, I encourage them to work collaboratively with Mr Grant to create a consistent national approach to water compliance,” she said.
“Currently each state reports on compliance against their own standards, not a consistent set across the basin.
“The Inspector-General has the opportunity to ensure all jurisdictions are comparing apples with apples.”
The role of Inspector-General is a regulatory role aimed ensuring consistent, trusted and transparent management, with the ability to investigate and enforce non-compliance through audits and investigations.
“I look forward to Mr Grant being supported by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and the Office of Water Compliance to ensure the correct resources are put into the correct areas,” Senator Davey said.