The Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES) is an important source of independent, strategic advice to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. The committee's work helps to ensure the Basin Plan is confidently implemented with the support of robust science and knowledge.
In August 2023, the Authority welcomed the appointment of Adj Prof William (Bill) Young as Chair of the ACSEES. To ensure openness and independence to the appointment process, the MDBA ran an external recruitment round to fill the position. As per any APS recruitment, this process was underpinned by the APS Legislative Framework, including the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth), and the MDBA’s internal HR policies.
In the months following the appointment of the Chair, the Committee has also seen a refresh of membership following the expiration of several members’ term of appointment.
Through August–September 2023, the MDBA ran an additional recruitment round to fill the vacant ACSEES member positions. Similar to the Chair recruitment process, this was an open and external appointment process.
Candidates were assessed again a range of criteria, including:
- Deep subject matter expertise on specific areas of water-related science
- Broad subject matter knowledge beyond their area of specialisation
- Knowledge of Murray–Darling Basin and/or Basin Plan specific issues
- Previous advisory committee experience.
At the Authority 176 meeting, the Authority were presented the shortlisted candidates for their consideration and endorsement. The MDBA and Authority considered a range of factors, including candidate experience and expertise and committee balance, tenure and continuity in their decision making.
The term of appointment of Committee members has been staggered to reflect the need for semi-regular membership turnover that allows for the incorporation of new thinking and new ideas, but to also maintain an effective committee through collective memory in the lead up to the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
The Authority has encouraged the MDBA and ACSEES to continue to consider additional appointments over the coming years if any notable skills gaps emerge within the Committee.
The ACSEES currently comprises of:
- Adj Prof Bill Young, Chair
- Prof Nick Bond (reappointment)
- Prof Sam Capon (new appointment)
- Assoc Prof Avril Horne (new appointment)
- Prof Sue Jackson (reappointment)
- Assoc Prof Rebecca Nelson (reappointment)
- Prof Anne Poelina
- Prof Mike Stewardson (reappointment)
Background
One of the MDBA’s key mechanisms to maintain this scientific rigour and ensure our approach stands up within the research and scientific community is through the independent ACSEES.
The Committee was first established in 2012 under Section 203 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth), and has since provided a consistent source of thorough, independent and strategic advice on Basin Plan implementation, flagship scientific initiatives and the broader scientific context of the Murray–Darling Basin.
These experts bring eminence in hydrology, ecology and environmental sciences, climate sciences, social and economics, First Nations and Cultural values, and water governance and law.