Water Register Bill
Why do we need this law change:
When I was elected to parliament, I was shocked to learn I didn’t have to declare my water entitlements in the conflict of interest form they make politicians sign.
We have to declare land, property, jobs and shares. But not water.
I believe the first step in fixing our water problems is to find out who owns it.
We know there are politicians, foreign companies, Sydney traders and government departments who own water – and manipulate the water trade – but it’s impossible to identify them.
The current online NSW Water Register prevents people from searching for the water entitlements of companies, individuals and government departments.
Applying for a water licence is currently easier than opening a bank account. People can hide behind a corporate veil, so the general public don't know they're the actual purchaser.
I’m introducing a bill to parliament to end the secrecy surrounding water ownership in NSW.
My Bill will:
Force NSW politicians to declare their water interests on our conflict of interest form. This includes any water they previously owned in the last five year and any water their spouse owns.
Change the application process for getting a water licence so people can't hide their identity when they apply for their licence. All current licence holders will also have to provide more information about company directors, shareholders and related corporations.
Change the online water register to allow people to search for water holdings of people, companies and government departments. This includes water holdings held within irrigation corporations.
Protect the privacy of mum-and-dad farmers by ensuring the public register does not publish personal phone numbers, emails or residential addresses.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email your feedback to murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au