The Morrison Government is continuing to support the management of Australia's water resources with the release today of the Productivity Commission's National Water Reform 2020 draft report. The draft report provides an initial assessment into progress towards achieving the objectives and outcomes of the National Water Initiative (NWI).
The draft report notes that the Commonwealth, along with states and territories, has made strong progress towards achieving the NWI reforms, which were first agreed to in 2004. These reforms have seen improved outcomes for regional communities, consumers, the environment and irrigators.
As a result, households have a lower average water use, there is more efficient use of water by industry, more water is available for the environment, and there is more scope to adapt for uncertainty, such as future droughts.
The Government continues to invest in management of Australia's water resources, including through monitoring and enforcing the Basin Plan, and the establishment of the National Water Grid Authority.
The Morrison Government is committed to working with states and territories to improve water management now and into the future.
Public submissions will be open before the release of the final report later in 2021.
