The Productivity Commission is to inquire into how governments are progressing in achieving the objectives and timelines of the National Water Initiative.
In its 2018 report on national water reform, the PC found that Australia is managing its water resources well given a dry and highly variable climate and the importance of water to the national economy.
However, there remains further work to do, with governments needing to complete unfinished business, including fully implementing entitlement and planning reforms, and responding to the challenges posed by population growth, climate change and changing community expectations.
The Australian Government responded to the Commission’s 2017 Inquiry, and endorsed the Commission’s recommendation to renew the NWI.
The PIC has published an issues paper to guide the inquiry. Submissions on this paper are due by Friday, 21 August 2020. Visit the PC website for more information.