Fairness in focus: A new path for Australia’s water future
Two new reports from Watertrust Australia are challenging policymakers to rethink water governance by placing fairness, equity, and justice at the heart of decision-making.
These reports are part of Watertrust’s wider Equity, Fairness, and Justice initiative, which aims to reshape how water policy decisions are made in Australia.
The initiative brings together five major research efforts to build a comprehensive framework for more inclusive, effective, and sustainable water governance. The reports – "Equity, Fairness and Justice: Key Concepts for Water Policy" and "Equity, Fairness and Justice in Water Policy: Literature Review" – lay the groundwork by exploring these principles and offering practical solutions for addressing the challenges of water allocation.
“Fairness and equity aren’t just ideals; they are practical necessities for good governance,” says Nick Barry, lead author of the conceptual mapping report. “These reports provide much-needed clarity on equity and fairness, particularly in a water policy context where these terms are often misunderstood or contested.”
Trust, as highlighted in the reports, is critical: communities are more likely to accept decisions they see as fair, even when outcomes are difficult.
Watertrust CEO Karen Hutchinson says, “When people feel heard and respected, we can find solutions that unite rather than divide. Trust is the foundation for lasting change.”
The reports also highlight the pressing need to address inequalities in water access, particularly as climate change deepens water scarcity. Vulnerable communities, including First Nations peoples, are disproportionately affected.
These reports represent an important step in Watertrust’s Equity, Fairness, and Justice initiative. By releasing the research in stages, Watertrust aims to build momentum and understanding within the national water policy sector.
Watertrust contends that its Equity, Fairness, and Justice initiative can be a catalyst for action – helping governments and policymakers to adopt decision-making processes that lead to fairer, more inclusive, and widely supported water policies, with meaningful engagement from local communities.
Read the key messages from the reports:
Access the full reports below or click here for more publications from Watertrust.
"These reports provide much-needed clarity on equity and fairness, particularly in a water policy context where these terms are often misunderstood or contested."