Former Ag secretary appointed chair of the Murray-Darling Authority

Daryl Quinlivan is the new chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Photo: Department of Agriculture.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority Board (MDBA) has a new chair following the retirement of Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston.

Former Agriculture Department Secretary and NSW Agriculture Commissioner Daryl Quinlivan will take up the role from 23 December.

The Federal Government announced the appointment this week, noting Mr Quinlivan has extensive experience in public service governance and water resource management, including as a former member of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.

Mr Quinlivan has been appointed chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Board for a four-year term.

Sir Angus, who joined as chair in 2020, will retire on 22 December.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said Sir Angus had spearheaded the next stage of sustainable water management in Australia’s most important river system.

She said his listening tours across the basin and inclusive approach united stakeholders and helped bring trust back to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

“We’re determined to deliver the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full and that’s why it’s so important we have the right people for the job on the authority board,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Sir Angus Houston has been an exceptional leader during his time as chair. The MDBA as an organisation has never been stronger.

“He stood above partisan debate, engendering trust in the MDBA as it implements the Basin Plan. I thank him for his excellent service and wish him all the best.”

Ms Plibersek said Mr Quinlivan brought “a wealth of experience in water resource management and water markets to this critical role”.

Mr Quinlivan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Australia Day Honours.

Inaugural First Nations member Rene Woods has been appointed for another four years.

Allison Mudford will join the board, replacing Susan Madden who has served for the maximum eight-year term.

“I’d also like to congratulate Rene Woods and Allison Mudford, and thank Susan Madden for her expertise and insights over the past eight years,” Ms Plibersek said.

She said the Murray-Darling Basin Authority worked closely with the basin’s governments and communities to maintain a healthy working basin and implement the Basin Plan.