National Water Reform (2018)
Public inquiry
This inquiry is complete. The Commission was asked to undertake an inquiry into the reform of Australia's water resources sector.
- Issues paper 16 Mar 2017
- Draft report 15 Sep 2017
- Final report 31 May 2018
The issues paper covers a range of issues on which the Commission seeks information and feedback, and is intended to assist you in preparing a submission.
Initial submissions were due by 18 April 2017.
The Commission sought further information and feedback on the draft report.
Submissions were due by 19 October 2017.
The final report was handed to the Australian Government on 19 December 2017 and publicly released on 31 May 2018.
The inquiry assessed progress in achieving the objectives and outcomes of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and the need for any future reform.
- Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative 2004 (PDF - 264 kB)
- Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative 2004 (Word - 203 kB)
The Commission was required to:
- assess the outcomes of the NWI and related water reform efforts
- consider the potential and realised benefits of NWI implementation
- consider the scope for improving the NWI
- make recommendations on future reform priorities.
This was the first of the Productivity Commission inquiries required by the Water Act 2007. The NWI-related inquiry will be undertaken every three years.
The Commission will also undertake inquiries into the effectiveness of the implementation of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan every five years, with the first to be completed by the end of 2018.
Government response
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Key documents
Inquiry report
The report is an assessment of the progress in achieving the objectives and outcomes of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and the need for any future reform.
Submissions
Submissions received for the National Water Reform public inquiry.
Public hearings
Public hearings provide participants with the opportunity to elaborate on their submissions, respond to submissions of others, and to discuss issues with Commissioners.
Stakeholder Working Group
In accordance with section 89 of the Water Act 2007, the Commission has established a stakeholder working group.