Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the deaths sent shockwaves around the world, and it was essential to better understand the cause and explore strategies to prevent a recurrence.
“We are requesting this independent inquiry to provide the community with certainty that we are thoroughly investigating this matter,” she said.
"In this review, the OSCE will consider the likely cause of the fish deaths event, its effects, the overall response and then make recommendations on what needs to be done to stop this happening again.
"We anticipate the review will be completed and released by August 31. The findings and recommendations will drive the government’s strategic response to what is undeniably an environmental event of massive proportions.”
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said OCSE had established a strong reputation for providing independent reports that deliver science-based recommendations that have gone on to shape government policy.
“For more than a decade OCSE has been providing an invaluable service to the government, particularly when impartial advice was needed about contentious issues,” Ms Sharpe said.
OCSE Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the office would be conducting a broad ranging inquiry, under the review’s terms of reference.
“There is no doubt the extraordinary number of fish deaths has had a far-reaching effect on western New South Wales and beyond,” he said.
“My office will be consulting broadly to examine the cause of the fish deaths and will seek advice from subject matter experts to shape the recommendations it will make to the government.”
The terms of reference and further information about how to make submissions can be found at www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/independent-reports/menindee-fish-deaths.
