Barrister Richard Beasley has been named South Australia's commissioner for the Murray in an appointment the state government says is key to the future health of the river.
Mr Beasley served as senior counsel to SA's royal commission into the Murray-Darling Basin, the results of which were released in early 2019 and which found water allocations from the river system were driven by politics rather than science.
His role will include advocating for the health of the Murray, the Lower Lakes and the Coorong, including engaging with media, key stakeholders, politicians, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
He is also charged with helping the state secure the final 450 gigalitres of water for environmental flow as promised in the basin plan.
Climate, Environment and Water Minister Susan Close said Beasley's appointment would ensure South Australia's voice was heard when it came to the management of the Murray.
"Having a commissioner for the River Murray sends a clear message to upstream states that South Australia is serious about defending its water rights, including the 450 gigalitres promised but not delivered," she said.
Mr Beasley said he remained committed to fighting for the health of the river and was looking forward to working with communities, irrigators, legislators and other stakeholders including the federal government.
Conservation SA said the appointment was a smart choice considering Mr Beasley's understanding of the dynamics of the river and the politics that swirled around it.
"As the state at the end of the river, South Australia has often been required to stand up strong," Chief Executive Craig Wilkins said.
"It's also good news that the new commissioner has highlighted the need to lobby Canberra to lift the 1500 gigalitre cap on voluntary water buybacks to ensure the basin's environmental targets can be met.
"There is simply no other option if we are serious about ensuring a healthy river."
