Ex-NSW Nats leader made basin water cop

Former NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant will police water use in the Murray-Darling Basin with the federal coalition appointing him the next interim inspector-general.

Mr Grant served as deputy premier and held the justice, police, emergency services and natural resources portfolios during his political career.

Water Minister and Nationals MP Keith Pitt said Mr Grant's 22 years in the police force would bring vital experience to the role.

"This extensive experience and Mr Grant's unique leadership attributes make him an ideal fit for this important role so he can hit the ground running as a strong voice on critical Murray-Darling Basin water matters," he said.

Mr Grant will replace former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty who has served in the job since October last year.

The inspector-general is still without substantive compliance powers, with the federal government yet to make the role official through legislation.

Labor's water spokeswoman Terri Butler said the coalition's announcements on the Murray-Darling Basin had become an absolute farce.

"Local parking inspectors appear to have more power than our nation's top water cop at this point, despite serious problems existing in the basin and the $24 billion annual value of agricultural production in the basin," she said.

She called on the Morrison government to present a bill to parliament.

"Otherwise, this announcement will amount to yet another shameful milestone of neglect, and triumph of spin over substance," Ms Butler said.