Reports say some states were unhappy at the appointment of former police minister and NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant as the Murray-Darling Basin’s independent umpire.

Mr Grant, who also served as deputy premier and worked in the police, emergency services and natural resources portfolios, became the MDBA’s interim inspector-general of water compliance in December last year.

He took over from former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty, pledging to restore trust with those disillusioned with the water management plan.

Reports say that NSW government cabinet papers show both the NSW and Victorian governments bristled at the Morrison government’s “lack of consultation”.

“The NSW and Victoria governments have raised concerns with the lack of consultation in the appointment of Mr Grant,” the documents from March 1 state, according to News Corp.

“The NSW government also expressed the view that — to the extent that there may be a real or perceived conflict of interest — there are concerns with the ­nominee of the commonwealth government.”

NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey told reporters the NSW government shares “concerns raised by some in the community about a perceived bias the appointment may have”.

NSW government officials allegedly questioned why an independent umpire is even needed, given that the National Resources Access Regulator is meant to fill that role.

Some questioned the usefulness of ex-AFP commissioner Mick Keelty in the role, given that he undertook just three investigations during his two-year term.

Meanwhile, federal Water Minister Keith Pitt says NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall has been too slow to join a $100 m commonwealth water rebate scheme, which pays  farmers to instal water infrastructure for drought resilience.

“While it’s taken six months, I welcome the indication from [the] NSW minister that he is finally agreeing to the new arrangement to contribute to the program,” Mr Pitt said. 

“It’s a pity NSW farmers have had to wait so long for their state government to make similar commitment.”

But Mr Marshall said the federal funding may not be available until the next financial year.

“We have put real money on the table but are still waiting on details from the commonwealth,” he said. 

“The money is ready to go and if it was up to us, we would be reopening the scheme tomorrow.”

NSW joins South Australia and Western Australia as the only states to sign up to the scheme so far.