Who decides what's fair in water policy?

What does fairness in water policy mean to people, and how do they use it?

The latest Watertrust Australia report, Equity, Fairness and Justice in Water Policy: Framing Policy Debates in Public Inquiry Submissions, Hansard and Social Media, examines over 1,800 submissions to public inquiries, parliamentary debates, and social media discussions on water policy in the Murray-Darling Basin. It highlights how different groups frame fairness, equity, and justice to influence policy outcomes to support their positions.

Fairness means different things to different people. Farmers, environmental groups, First Nations communities, and governments each have their own views on what is fair, including how water should be shared. The way these ideas are presented can shape what issues get attention and how decisions are made.

Some groups argue for big changes, while others focus on improving the current system. Understanding these different views can help create fairer and more open discussions about water policy.

This report is an important part of the Equity, Fairness and Justice initiative, helping to explain how fairness is used in framing water debates. By looking at the words and ideas different groups use, it gives a clearer picture of how these discussions shape decisions.

These findings will guide our work in Equity, Fairness and Justice, making sure it reflects the real challenges and arguments happening in policy discussions. This will help us bring the different perspectives into water policy, building a stronger, more balanced approach to water management.

Call Kane if you’d like to know more: 0458 967 999