National Water Commission releases water reform report card

The National Water Commission will today release the 2011 Assessment of Australian water reform. This report is the third Biennial Assessment delivered by Australia's lead agency for driving national water reform under the National Water Initiative.

The Commission has comprehensively reviewed the extent to which actions under this historic initiative have improved the sustainable management of Australia's water resources and contributed to the national interest. The assessment also reports on impacts on regional, rural and urban communities.

Drawing on the findings in its independent review, the Commission will make 12 major recommendations to COAG to reinvigorate the water reform agenda and fully deliver its economic, environmental social benefits.

Chloe Munro, Chair of the National Water Commission, was interviewed on ABC Radio National program's Breakfast Program prior to the launch. She presents the major finding of the Assessment: that with inadequate staffing and financial resources from governments, core commitments have not been delivered.