One Step Closer to Transparency
Integrity in politics is one step closer after Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, amended a parliamentary bill to ensure water ownership must be included on the pecuniary interest form for all NSW MPS.
“I have been fighting for transparency around water ownership for nearly four years and it is no secret that when I first entered politics, I was astounded I had to list every asset I owned except my water.
“This is a huge win for the state and the implications of this amendment will be far reaching,” Mrs Dalton said.
Lack of transparency around water has been a major concern for Mrs Dalton since she first entered politics.
She said water is critical across Murray because it underpins the success of community, environment and business.
“Back in the day the value of water was in what it could grow.
“Now it is a $2 billion, unregulated commodity and a lot of people are making money out of investing and trading.
“It is imperative the community know if the people making critical water decisions do own water - NSW MPs declaring their own personal interests is just the beginning.”
The call to improve transparency around water ownership has been raging for years.
In February 2021, the ACCC flagged a lack of transparency in water as a major concern in the Murray Darling Basin Water Market Inquiry.
Mrs Dalton said her recent amendment to the integrity legislation bill is the first meaningful step toward true transparency for water ownership in NSW.
She is hoping it is just the beginning.
“I have my own bill currently before parliament calling for the implementation of a transparent water register, and I will not give up until this happens.
“My bill does not allow for the release of personal details like phone numbers and addresses, just who owns Australia’s very important water licenses.”
Mrs Dalton said she is proud to have initiated a change of this magnitude and is looking forward to implementing more in the future.
NSW MPs are required to fill out a pecuniary interest form every six months. Moving forward, any water interest must now be declared.