Strategic advice

Clean water is critical to Closing the Gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Access to secure, reliable and safe drinking water is essential to human health and well-being and is recognised by the United Nations as a human right. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have inadequate drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) accessibility.

ATSE welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to renew the 2004 National Water Initiative with a National Water Agreement (NWA) to modernise Australia’s water management framework.

ATSE’s submission to the Australian Government Drought Plan makes four recommendations to help support the agricultural sector and local communities. The submission argues that the best drought strategy is to prepare for and mitigate drought risks before droughts hit. ATSE argues that government support should be focused on drought mitigation and preparation and planning is in place for other natural disasters.

ATSE welcomes a consultation on a future National Water Agreement. We support the inclusion of themes for water quality, climate change and population growth, transparency in decision-making, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement.

ATSE supports the Interim Report’s renewal of the commitment to the National Water Reform, building on the foundations to ensure Australia’s water resources’ security amidst climate change and population growth. 

ATSE has urged a suite of actions and investments to protect the future of the Murray-Darling Basin in the face of climate change, which is threatening the river’s health and sustainability.

The National Water Initiative is an important opportunity for ensuring sustainable management of Australia’s water resources.

ATSE welcomes the interim report’s focus on undertaking water buybacks, taking climate change into account, coordinating across the various authorities, and consolidating community engagement.

ATSE advocates an evidence-informed, long-term approach to Basin planning.