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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-02-10 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

COMMISSIONER FOR WATER SECURITY

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water) (14:10): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P. CAICA: The role of Commissioner for Water Security was established by the government in 2008 at the height of the worst low rainfall period in our state's history.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: The commissioner's role included leading policy development across government to ensure the long-term security of the state's water supplies to meet economic, environmental and social goals and, in particular, the commissioner was to drive the accomplishment of our state's commitments under the National Water Initiative, coordinate the development of the Murray Futures Project and develop a statewide water security plan.

With the construction of the Adelaide desalination plant well advanced, new legislation tabled in parliament, which includes independent pricing and regulation and opportunity for third party access, as well as significant progress in the building of stormwater projects, the government has accepted the recommendation of Robyn McLeod, the Commissioner for Water Security, that the role of commissioner is no longer required.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for MacKillop!

The Hon. P. CAICA: Ms McLeod was originally appointed for three years as the state's full-time Commissioner for Water Security but was able to transition to a part-time role in 2010, with the establishment of the Department for Water. Ms McLeod is now working to transfer the duties of commissioner to the Department for Water and plans to relinquish her position at the end of March 2011. I, along with the people at least on this side of the chamber, congratulate Ms McLeod for leading the development of Water for Good—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: The only waste of space in this place is you. Will you show some dignity? Will you not be so miserable?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for MacKillop! I warn the member for MacKillop.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Good work. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Ms McLeod for leading the development of Water for Good, a plan to secure South Australia's water to 2050. This blueprint for our water security is now being implemented across the state and is receiving acclaim, both nationally and internationally, as best practice policy for adaptive and diverse water management.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: They didn't mention it when you were in America? They didn't raise it with you? Madam Speaker, it must be remembered that Ms McLeod came into the position of commissioner at an extremely difficult time but brought with her a wealth of experience in relation to water management. She has indeed made a contribution for which all South Australians can be grateful. South Australia is now leading Australia in water management, due in no small part to the policy frameworks developed under commissioner McLeod's leadership.

As Minister for the River Murray and Minister for Water, I will continue to lead the government's drive for long-term water security for South Australia, including continuing to chair the Water Security Council.

I understand that Ms McLeod's commitment and talents will not altogether be lost to South Australia, with her remaining an honorary member of the SA Competitiveness Council, the South Australian Premier's Science and Research Council and as an independent director of the Australian Centre for Social Innovation. I am also informed that Ms McLeod will continue her involvement in advisory boards for the University of Adelaide. On behalf of the government, I thank Ms McLeod for her significant contributions to the betterment of our state, and I wish her every success for the challenges she takes up in the future.

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