National Water Reform 2026

The PC has released two interim updates for National Water Reform 2026.

This interim update discusses changes to policy and regulatory settings that could improve the security, resilience and sustainability of water services in Australia.

Submissions on this update were due by 10 July 2026.
 

The report will set out the PC's assessment of jurisdictions’ progress towards meeting the outcomes and objectives of the 2004 National Water Initiative. 

The report will also set out the PC’s recommendations on approaches that support a sustainable water service industry.

The final inquiry report will be handed to the Australian Government by 4 September 2026.

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.

The PC released a call for submissions paper on 31 March 2026 to guide people in preparing a submission. It set out some of the issues and questions the PC has identified as relevant at the early stage of the inquiry.

Submissions were due by 24 April 2026.

The PC is conducting its fourth inquiry on governments’ progress under the National Water Initiative, as required by the Water Act 2007 (Cth). It will also advise on ways to promote a more sustainable water service industry to inform further work by governments to refresh Australia’s water policy.