Who is the Inspector–General?

Inspector-General of Water Compliance, the Hon Troy Grant

Troy has a 32-year career of public service in government, law enforcement, emergency service, social justice, community and charity. He was an elected member of the New South Wales Parliament from 2011 to 2019. Troy has lived and worked in the northern and southern Murray–Darling Basin for over 40 years. He maintains a sound understanding and connection to the communities in the Basin.

As the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, he holds a suite of delegations under the Water Act relevant to that role. For example, the Inspector-General makes decisions relating to the commencement of audits or inquiries and enforcement actions. Troy also fulfils the role as the main conduit for public engagements and acts as Chair of the Regulatory Leaders Forum.

Daniel Blacker: Deputy Inspector-General of Water Compliance – Regulation

Daniel joined as the Deputy Inspector-General of Water Compliance at the commencement of the independent Inspector-General on 5 August 2021. Daniel is responsible for the Water Regulation Group, which undertakes compliance monitoring, investigations and audits within the Murray–Darling Basin. In his role overseeing the regulation function, Daniel maintains areas where subject matter expertise is required into technical and complex water management functions, including annual sustainable diversion limits compliance statements, water trade matters, legislative obligations, regulatory reform and case management.

Bridgett Leopold: Deputy-Inspector-General of Water Compliance – Capability

Bridgett started in her role as interim Deputy Inspector-General of Water Compliance in July 2021. In her role overseeing the capability function of the office, Bridgett is responsible for intergovernmental relations, governance, communications, field operations and inquiries. The capability function brings together various elements of engagement with both the public, water stakeholders and other government agencies. It also includes powers to undertake inquiries and set standards and guidelines for effective water regulation and performance reporting.

Functions and powers

The Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s functions and powers are set out in the Water Act 2007 (the Act). The Office of Water Compliance (in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) supports the Inspector-General.

Functions

The Inspector-General’s functions are set out in the Act and include:

• Oversight of other Commonwealth agencies under the Act
• Oversight of Basin State agencies under the Act
• Enforcing compliance with the Act
• Conducting inquiries into how agencies perform obligations under the Act
• Engaging with the Australian public on the management of Murray–Darling Basin water resources.

These functions focus on the integrity of the management of Basin water resources.

Strategic Plan 2023-26

Since being established in 2021, the Inspector-General of Water Compliance has prioritised listening to and learning from the community and working with water managers charged with obligations under the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan. Over the next four years, the Inspector-General will continue engaging – but will also increasingly act.

This Strategic Plan (the plan) sets out a map for making change happen. It outlines the Inspector-General’s vision, purpose, and the strategic impacts the role aims to achieve. The plan also shows how the performance of the Inspector-General will be measured —above all else, transparency will remain at the heart of everything they do.

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Strategic Plan 2023-26 (PDF 542 KB)
Strategic Plan 2023-26 (DOCX 1.2 MB)

Policies and frameworks

Regulatory Policy

The Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s Regulatory Policy explains their roles and responsibilities. It provides guidance around how and when they will use their regulatory powers. The Regulatory Policy was developed by the Inspector-General through a consultative process. It is expected to be reviewed and, if necessary, updated following relevant legislative reforms, if any, or by end 2028.

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Regulatory Policy (PDF 3.75 KB)
Regulatory Policy (DOCX 2.90 KB)

Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Framework

The Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Compliance Framework sets out the Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s expectations, requirements and approach to SDL compliance. It aims to provide transparency and confidence to the community.

An SDL sets out how much water, on average, can be used in the Murray-Darling Basin, while keeping the rivers and environment healthy. SDL accounts are maintained at the SDL resource unit scale and are not designed or intended to detect water taken by individual entitlement holders.

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Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Framework (PDF 782 KB)
Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Framework (DOCX 1.56 MB)

SDL Compliance Framework - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 659 KB)
SDL Compliance Framework - Frequently Asked Questions (DOCX 538 KB)

SDL Compliance Framework - Fact sheet (PDF 222 KB)
SDL Compliance Framework - Fact sheet (DOCX 339 KB)

Organisational chart

The Inspector-General, the Honourable Troy Grant is supported by Deputy IGWC Regulation Daniel Blacker and Deputy IGWC Capability Bridgett Leopold.

Deputy IGWC Regulation has oversight of Regulatory Best Practice, Performance Monitoring, Director Trade Regulation, Director Compliance Monitoring, and Director Audit and Investigations.

Deputy IGWC Capability has oversight of Director Governance, Inquiry and Operations, Director Media and Engagement, and Director Intergovernmental Relations.

The strategic engagement advisor reports directly to the Inspector-General of Water Compliance Hon Troy Grant.

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Inspector General of Water Compliance organisation structure (PDF 149 KB)