The Federal government has announced the appointment of a new Chair and reappointment of commissioners to the National Water Commission.

 

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, announced former South Australian Nationals MP and Minister for Water Security and the River Murray, Ms Karlene Maywald, as the Chair and Commissioner for a three year term.

 

"Karlene Maywald was South Australia's Minister for Water Security and the River Murray during one of the worst drought periods in living memory. She has a proven, long-standing track record in water management and is passionate about water reform in Australia," Senator Farrell said.

 

Australian Government-nominated Commissioner Mr Robert Freeman, former Chief Executive Officer of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, has been reappointed. The two Commissioners nominated by the states and territories – Professor Stuart Bunn, Director of the Australian Rivers Institute, and Mr Chris Davis, former CEO of the Australian Water Association – have also been reappointed.

 

The Government will announce a fifth Commissioner as soon as the appointment process is completed.

 

Senator Farrell thanked outgoing Commissioners Ms Elaine Gardiner, Mr Lawrence Arthur, and Ms Sally Farrier for their efforts in overseeing the important work of the Commission and wished them well in their future endeavours.