National Water Reform

What we’ve been asked to look at

Under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), the Commission is required to undertake three-yearly inquiries into the progress of reform in Australia’s water resources sector. This is the second such inquiry. It will look at the progress of all Australian governments in achieving the objectives, outcomes and timelines of reform directions proposed in the 2004 Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative (NWI). Practical advice will also be provided on ways in which the NWI might be improved.

Read the Terms of Reference

Issues paper release and initial submissions

The Commission released an issues paper to guide people in preparing a submission. It set out some of the issues and questions the Commission has identified as relevant at the early stage of the inquiry. Participants should provide evidence to support their views, including data and specific examples where possible.

Initial submissions were due 21 August 2020.

Read the issues paper

Draft report release

A draft report was released on 11 February 2021 for further information and feedback.

This draft report assesses the progress of the Australian, State and Territory governments towards achieving the objectives and outcomes of the National Water Initiative (NWI), and provides practical advice on future directions for national water reform.

Submissions were due by 24 March 2021.

Read the draft report

Final report to Government and release

The final inquiry report is to be handed to the Australian Government in June 2021.

The release of the final report by the Government is the final step in the process.

Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt.