Following a review of Western Australia's water services legislation in 2007, new water services legislation is planned.
The legislation is made up of two Bills - the Water Services Bill and the Water Services Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill.
These Bills are planned for introduction into Parliament in early 2011.
Under new water services legislation, the government will be able to introduce codes that will set quality and performance standards for water service providers. These will ensure water service efficiencies and standards are upheld across Western Australia.
Customers will benefit from the creation of an independent water ombudsman to review and resolve customer complaints.
The legislation will also enable the appointment of a supplier of last resort in the case of potential water service failures to ensure continued service provision in all circumstances.
The Water Services Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill will bring the Bunbury and Busselton Water Boards under the same legislative regime as that governing the Water Corporation, enabling the boards to operate in a more commercial manner.
Consultation that has taken place throughout the development of the new water services legislation is outlined in the Analysis of public comment – Water Services Bill.