THE Tasmanian Greens have called for a parliamentary inquiry into TasWater after it emerged last week that the organisation may have tried to avoid the scientific findings of a Macquarie University study into lead in Pioneer’s water supply.
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Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins said Tasmania was experiencing “serious issues” with water quality and infrastructure.
“Tasmanians want transparency and accountability from their agencies, especially when it comes to the water coming out of our taps,” she said.
Tasmanians want transparency and accountability from their agencies, especially when it comes to the water coming out of our taps.
- Andrea Dawkins
“The reports of TasWater burying research and potential conflicts of interest, is yet another reason to set up a Parliamentary Inquiry into water governance in Tasmania.
“A Joint House Inquiry could go far to uncovering the water risks and opportunities for our communities.”
Right to Information documents obtained by the ABC last week appear to show senior TasWater employees discussing whether to engage external reviewers to “debunk” the findings of a peer-reviewed Macquarie University study into the cause of lead in Pioneer’s water supply.
TasWater subsequently commissioned Water Resources Australia to conduct a review of the study.
TasWater chief executive Michael Brewster said the organisation stood by its decision to commission the $30,000 review.
“The independent review was carried out so TasWater could understand the impacts of its findings and assess whether there were any health implications beyond those already known,” he said.
“TasWater rejects any suggestion of a conflict of interest or inadequacy in processes which would compromise the independence of the study commissioned through Water Research Australia.”
Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said the state government would wait to see the terms of reference for an inquiry before deciding whether to support it.
“However, it's quite clear that we need to look closely at how best to ensure Tasmanians are getting the water and sewerage infrastructure they deserve and whether the current approach is delivering,” he said.
Labor leader Bryan Green also said his party would consider the terms of reference carefully before deciding whether to commit.
“Residents of regional Tasmanian towns, including Pioneer and in the Fingal Valley, are very concerned about their living standards and access to clean water,” he said.
“These concerns should be taken seriously. The Liberal Government needs to show leadership on this issue, instead of washing its hands and leaving it to local government.
“If they’re not prepared to show leadership, perhaps an inquiry is required.”
