Emma Carmody, a prominent environmental and water lawyer, has been appointed as the new commissioner for the River Murray in South Australia. The announcement was made by Lucy Hood, the Minister for Climate, Environment, and Water, who highlighted Dr. Carmody’s extensive experience in water law and governance as vital to the role. This appointment comes as South Australia prepares for significant reviews of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the Commonwealth Water Act 2007.
Dr. Carmody succeeds Richard Beasley SC, who has transitioned to a position at the New South Wales Land and Environment Court. The commissioner’s role was established by the state government as part of an election commitment, focusing on the restoration of the River Murray’s health, the Lower Lakes, and the Coorong, while advocating for South Australia’s interests at a national level.
Background and Legislative Influence
Dr. Carmody has been instrumental in shaping recent legislative changes to the Basin Plan, including the Water Amendment (Restoring our River) Bill 2023. This legislation aims to provide additional time and options for recovering the final 450 gigalitres of water stipulated under the plan. The Commonwealth government targets recovering over 400GL of this total by the end of 2026, following an expansion of the voluntary water purchase program.
Originally from Adelaide, Dr. Carmody currently resides in Sydney and has worked as a consultant for two state government agencies. Her expertise extends to advising international organizations, First Nations groups, farmers, and conservation entities, both in Australia and globally. Notably, she served as the sole legal advisor to the secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands from 2017 to 2022, contributing to complex multilateral negotiations between nations.
Commitment to Sustainable Management
Minister Hood expressed confidence in Dr. Carmody’s ability to enhance South Australia’s advocacy within the Basin. “Dr. Carmody’s work is renowned on the national stage, and she will be a powerful advocate in our ongoing efforts to restore the health of the Basin,” she stated. “Her extensive background in water law and governance and her location will help ensure upstream states recognize our commitment to securing the full delivery of the Basin Plan.”
Dr. Carmody shared her personal and professional dedication to the role, stating, “Having grown up in the southern Murray-Darling Basin and lived in Adelaide during the Millennium Drought, I am particularly honoured to be appointed as the commissioner of the River Murray. I look forward to collaborating with the many people and communities who care deeply about the river’s health, especially in anticipation of the statutory review of the Basin Plan.”
Former commissioner Richard Beasley SC praised Dr. Carmody, highlighting her unparalleled expertise in water law and the Basin Plan. “Dr. Carmody has no peer in Australia as a water law and Basin Plan expert,” he remarked, emphasizing her extensive experience with farmers, First Nations Peoples, and conservation groups.
The appointment of Dr. Carmody marks a significant step in South Australia’s efforts to manage its vital water resources effectively and sustainably. The health of the River Murray is critical for the environment, economy, culture, and communities dependent on this essential waterway.
