Tabling Requirements for Intergovernmental Agreements Concerning the Murray-Darling Basin
Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025
Independent BillLegislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Introduced by: Roy Butler MP (IND)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Trish Doyle ALP
“I thank the member for Barwon for introducing the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025.”
Steph Cooke NAT
“I lead for the Opposition in debate on the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025. I begin by acknowledging that the member for Barwon is a tremendous advocate for the people of western New South Wales. Like all of us from regional electorates, the communities he represents are the most directly impacted by the type of agreements that are the subject of the bill.”
“I oppose the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025, introduced by the member for Barwon. I had the pleasure of serving with the member on the Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development, which he chairs. He has a deep passion in this area.”
Greg Warren ALP
“I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to debate on the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025, introduced by my good friend the hardworking member for Barwon. It is yet another example of the member for Barwon getting on the front foot and taking a proactive approach through the Parliament to make adequate representations on behalf of his community.”
Sally Quinnell ALP
“I contribute to debate on the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025, introduced by the member for Barwon. As members have already heard, the Government is not in a position to support the bill, which aims to enhance parliamentary scrutiny of draft intergovernmental agreements related to the Murray-Darling Basin.”
Nathan Hagarty ALP
“I oppose the Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025, introduced by the good member for Barwon. I do so with a heavy heart because I understand what the bill seeks to do, which is to enhance parliamentary scrutiny of intergovernmental agreements.”
Roy Butler IND
“I thank the members representing the electorates of Camden, Leppington, Cootamundra, Blue Mountains, Liverpool and Campbelltown. I appreciate the time they put into explaining their positions and concerns, and I understand those concerns around negotiations and showing your cards to the other side.”
News articles and press releases
Water Management Amendment (Intergovernmental Agreements) Bill 2025
Mr ROY BUTLER, Member for Barwon — 2025-06-05
These agreements are drafted when there are water management concerns or interests that extend beyond one State or jurisdiction, and they can encompass significant issues, such as how benefits and responsibilities for water management are shared between States. Currently, the New South Wales Parliament has no visibility of these intergovernmental agreements until they are signed off on by the Premier or Executive Government. The bill will amend the Water Management Act to prohibit the State from entering into an intergovernmental agreement with another jurisdiction about matters concerning the Murray-Darling Basin until 15 days have passed after a draft of the intergovernmental agreement has been made available to members of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.