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Prominent barrister named first SA Commissioner for the River Murray: Close

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The Hon. Susan Close MP, SA Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Media Release, 23 August 2022

Prominent barrister and author, Richard Beasley SC, has been appointed South Australia’s Commissioner for the River Murray.

The appointment delivers on a key election commitment from the Malinauskas government to create a Commissioner role and is an important step toward restoring the health of the River.

Mr Beasley grew up in Adelaide and holds an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Adelaide. He has a Masters of Law from the University of Sydney.

He was made silk in 2011 and has advised on major administrative law, planning and environmental issues, as well as a wide range of commercial matters.

Mr Beasley was Senior Counsel in the 2019 South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission.

He is an author of five books including Dead in the Water, a scathing critique of how the Murray-Darling Basin has been mismanaged.

The Commissioner’s responsibilities will include: 

  • Advocating for the health of the River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong including engaging with media, key stakeholders, politicians, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Board.
  • Helping the state to secure the delivery of the final 450 gigalitres of water required to deliver 94 per cent of environmental flow indicators, as proposed by the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan.
  • Assist the State Government to improve the transparency of information and communication provided about the management of the River Murray.
  • Prepare an annual report that is tabled in Parliament.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close

“Mr Beasley’s appointment will ensure South Australia’s voice is heard when it comes to the management of the River Murray.”

“His time on the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission showed he has a great capacity to connect people and build relationships, skills that will be vital in his role as Commissioner. He will also be a much-needed voice for our river communities.”

“Having a Commissioner for the River Murray sends a clear message to upstream states that South Australia is serious about defending its water rights, including the 450 gigalitres promised but not delivered.”

“Mr Beasley has a deep understanding of the issues relating to the River and the entire Murray-Darling Basin, and I look forward to working closely with him to fight for the future of the River.”

Quotes attributable to the SA Commissioner for the River Murray, Richard Beasley SC

“I’m really pleased to be appointed South Australia’s first Commissioner for the River Murray and I’m committed fighting for the health of the River.”

“I am looking forward to working with communities, irrigators, legislators and other stakeholders including the federal government to improve the health of the River.”

Related story: Labor’s latest political appointment spells trouble for the Murray-Darling Basin: Centofanti and Whetstone

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