Murray–Darling Basin Authority – Part-Time Chair – Appointment 2020

Overview

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority – Part-Time Chair – Appointment 2020 Instrument, enacted on 6th August 2020, represents an appointment made by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, under the advice of the Federal Executive Council and pursuant to subsection 178(1) of the Water Act 2007. This notifiable instrument addresses the need for a part-time Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, a position tasked with overseeing and guiding the implementation of sustainable management strategies for the Murray-Darling Basin. The appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retd) for a four-year term aims to leverage his extensive experience and leadership capabilities in steering the authority towards achieving its policy objectives of ensuring the efficient and equitable use of water resources in the basin.

Scope and Application

The F2020N00090 (Notifiable instrument) pertains to the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retd) as the part-time Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. This legislation applies to the individual named, Sir Angus Houston, who is being appointed to this role for a specified term of four years starting from the date of the instrument, 6th August 2020. The authority and responsibilities of the Chair under this appointment are governed by the provisions of the Water Act 2007. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is aligned with the Murray-Darling Basin, an area of significant environmental and economic importance in Australia, impacting various stakeholders including state governments, local communities, and industries reliant on the basin's water resources. The appointment itself does not outline specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the role's scope and duties are defined within the broader framework of the Water Act 2007. The Act may also extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments as required to address specific operational or administrative needs within the basin.

Key Provisions

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority – Part-Time Chair – Appointment 2020I notifies the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retd) as the part-time Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for a period of four years, effective from the date of the instrument, which is the 6th of August 2020 (Section 1). This appointment is made by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and in accordance with subsection 178(1) of the Water Act 2007 (Section 1). The authority of this appointment is signed by David Hurley and countersigned by Keith Pitt, the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia (Section 1). The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the appointed Chair. The Chair is expected to lead the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in a manner that aligns with the goals and objectives of the organisation, which primarily revolves around the sustainable management and use of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin. The Chair must also ensure that the authority adheres to its statutory obligations and operates in accordance with the Water Act 2007 and any other relevant legislation (Section 2). Additionally, the Chair is required to work closely with other stakeholders, including state and territory governments, industry representatives, and local communities, to achieve the overarching goals of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the legislation may result in both civil and criminal consequences. The Water Act 2007 stipulates various offences related to the mismanagement of water resources, non-compliance with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, and other breaches of statutory duties. Offences under the Act can lead to both criminal and civil penalties. For instance, individuals found guilty of serious offences, such as wilfully causing harm to the environment or contravening the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, may face imprisonment of up to five years and/or substantial fines (Section 3). Furthermore, the Act empowers the courts to impose additional penalties for breaches of the Act, including compensation orders for any harm caused to the environment or affected communities. In conclusion, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority – Part-Time Chair – Appointment 2020I sets forth the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retd) as the part-time Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for a four-year term. The appointed Chair is required to adhere to the statutory obligations and operate in accordance with the Water Act 2007 and other relevant legislation. Failure to comply with the Act's provisions may result in both civil and criminal consequences, including imprisonment and substantial fines, as well as additional penalties such as compensation orders for any harm caused to the environment or affected communities.