The Department of Water coordinates the drafting of new legislation and subsidiary legislation.
Recently the focus has been on legislation reform for the water services industry.
The government is currently considering legislation reform for water resources management.
New water services legislation is made up of the Water Services Bill and the Water Services Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill.
Essentially water services legislation will increase competitiveness in the industry and ensure water service efficiencies and standards are upheld across Western Australia.
The Bills are planned for introduction into Parliament in early 2011.
Consultation has taken place throughout the development of the new water services legislation and is outlined in the Analysis of stakeholder comment – Water Services Bill.
New water resources management legislation is being considered by government to provide a legislative framework to make water available where it is needed.
The new legislation will provide more options for industry and consumers to obtain water, and simplifying the processes for obtaining it.
The Discussion Paper, Water Resources Management Options outlines the basis for new water resources management legislation and the options available.
Policy to support new water legislation is being developed through the department’s water reform program.