The United Nations has repeatedly identified that freshwater security is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and that water theft is a global problem exacerbating human conflict, denying human rights and accelerating environmental despoliation (UN 2019; UN Water 2020). Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent where water security is seriously threatened and constantly monitored by federal, state and local authorities. The devastating 2019-2020 bushfires across Australia serve as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerabilities to drought and the imperatives of water security and sustainability. Whilst some threats are undoubtedly climate induced, it is widely reported the ‘theft’ of water is playing an increasingly significant role in compromising Australia’s water security. This article provides a critical overview of the contemporary significance of water theft and its governance. It interrogates official documents of government inquiries, examines court proceedings, and provides a green criminological perspective on future policy, practice and prevention.

中文翻译：

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澳大利亚的水盗窃犯罪

联合国一再确定淡水安全是人类面临的最大挑战之一，偷水是一个全球性问题，加剧人类冲突、剥夺人权和加速环境掠夺（联合国 2019 年；联合国水资源 2020 年）。澳大利亚是世界上最干旱的有人居住的大陆，那里的水安全受到严重威胁，并受到联邦、州和地方当局的持续监控。澳大利亚 2019-2020 年毁灭性的森林大火清楚地提醒人们，该国在干旱面前的脆弱性以及水安全和可持续性的必要性。虽然一些威胁无疑是由气候引起的，但据广泛报道，“盗窃”水在危害澳大利亚的水安全方面发挥着越来越重要的作用。本文对偷水及其治理的当代意义进行了批判性概述。它询问政府调查的官方文件，审查法庭诉讼程序，并为未来的政策、实践和预防提供绿色犯罪学视角。