This bill is currently before Parliament.
Climate, energy & environment
The bill would establish a Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. Commission of InquiryThe proposed inquiry body established by the bill. It would report to Parliament with findings and recommendations about Commonwealth environmental water management. to examine the management, use, performance and outcomes of Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. holdings, with a particular focus on the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance..
Senator Cadell introduced the bill to create a parliamentary commission of inquiryThe proposed inquiry body established by the bill. It would report to Parliament with findings and recommendations about Commonwealth environmental water management. into how Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. is managed in the Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin.. The explanatory memorandum frames the bill as a way to restore integrity, transparency and confidence in the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance.. Cadell and Senator McKenzie argued in debate that BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. communities needed answers about water buybacksGovernment purchase of water entitlements or licences. Buybacks were a major theme in the Senate debate, although this bill itself is about creating an inquiry rather than directly changing buyback rules., environmental outcomes, regulatory failures, infrastructure choices and the local effects of environmental watering. The bill uses a parliamentary commission rather than a government-appointed Royal Commission because its sponsors wanted the inquiry to be accountable to Parliament and not controlled by the executive government.
The bill sits inside a long-running Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. debate about environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers., water markets, buybacks, infrastructure and trust in water governance. Its legal mechanism is narrow: it would establish a commission focused on the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. and related Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. management. The surrounding public record shows repeated controversy over water theft allegations, buyback value for money, market oversight and the social impact of water recovery. That context helps explain why the sponsors sought a strong inquiry, but it does not show that this bill passed or that any findings have been made against the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance..
The main criticism in the collected parliamentary debate came from Senator Murray Watt for the government. He opposed the bill as a political stunt linked to the Farrer by-election, argued the National Party had neglected Murray-Darling water recovery while in government, and said the Basin PlanThe water-management plan made under the Water Act 2007. The bill would let the Commission examine the framework governing environmental water, including the Water Act and the Basin Plan. and Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. were delivering environmental outcomes. The explanatory memorandum also acknowledges that the bill's coercive inquiry powers engage rights to privacy, reputation, liberty, fair hearing and the privilege against self-incrimination, while arguing the safeguards are proportionate.
Senator Ross Cadell introduced this bill. Supportive speeches so far have come from Nationals.
Did it become law?
Not yet
Final passage
No final vote yet
The bill has not yet completed passage through Parliament.
Days since introduction
71 days
Updated 10 June 2026.
Meaning
The bill would establish a Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. Commission of InquiryThe proposed inquiry body established by the bill. It would report to Parliament with findings and recommendations about Commonwealth environmental water management. to examine the management, use, performance and outcomes of Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. holdings, with a particular focus on the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance..
The inquiry would test whether environmental watering is effective, efficient and transparent, including whether it is achieving ecological outcomes and how it affects regional communities, agricultural productivity and BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. economies.
The Commission would be made up of two members appointed by Senate resolutionThe bill says the two Commissioners would be appointed by a resolution of the Senate, rather than by executive government appointment.: one former judge and one person with farming experience who normally lives within the Murray-Darling catchment.
Its terms of reference would cover environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. rules, the role and performance of Commonwealth agencies, possible maladministration or misconduct, effects on communities, agriculture and First Nations peoples, and possible investments in irrigation and bulk-water infrastructure.
The Commission would have Royal Commission-style powersThe explanatory memorandum says the Commission would have powers equivalent in substance to a Royal Commission, including compelling witnesses, requiring documents and taking evidence under oath., including public or private hearings, summonses for witnesses and documents, evidence under oath or affirmation, search warrants, and offences for non-compliance or interference with witnesses.
If enacted, the whole Act would start the day after Royal AssentThe formal approval a bill needs after passing Parliament before it becomes an Act. The introduced text says this bill would commence the day after Royal Assent if enacted., but the collected APH record lists the bill as before the Senate and no passed text or Act record was collected.
This Act establishes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry to inquire into and report to the Parliament on the management, use, performance and outcomes of Commonwealth environmental water holdings, with particular focus on the role, functions and conduct of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry introduced bill text
The Commission will examine the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of environmental watering, including whether environmental water is achieving intended ecological outcomes and how its use impacts regional communities, agricultural productivity and Basin economies.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry introduced bill text
The Commission is constituted by two members appointed for this subsection by a resolution of the Senate. One of the members must be a former judge and the other must be someone with farming experience normally resident within the Murray-Darling catchment.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry introduced bill text
In meeting its objective, the Commission must examine, consider and report on the following matters: the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the provisions of the Water Act 2007 which restrict the use of environmental water holdings for other uses; the role, functions and performance of Commonwealth agencies; any actual or potential maladministration, management, misconduct or corruption; the impacts of environmental watering on regional and rural communities, agricultural productivity and economic activity, and First Nations peoples.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry introduced bill text
The powers conferred on the Commission are equivalent in substance to those available to a Royal Commission under the Royal Commissions Act 1902. These powers enable the Commission to conduct a thorough and effective inquiry into matters of significant public importance, including where information may not otherwise be voluntarily disclosed.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry explanatory memorandum
The whole of this Act The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry introduced bill text
Context
The bill sits inside a long-running Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. debate about environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers., water markets, buybacks, infrastructure and trust in water governance. Its legal mechanism is narrow: it would establish a commission focused on the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. and related Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. management. The surrounding public record shows repeated controversy over water theft allegations, buyback value for money, market oversight and the social impact of water recovery. That context helps explain why the sponsors sought a strong inquiry, but it does not show that this bill passed or that any findings have been made against the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance..
Water theft allegations drove calls for a judicial inquiry
Collected reporting said Barnaby Joyce did not rule out a judicial inquiry after alleged Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. water theft, while South Australia called for a probe and stronger Commonwealth enforcement.
Australian Financial Review ↗Auditor-General called in over water buyback controversy
Collected reporting said the federal government referred a controversial Murray-Darling water buyback matter to the Auditor-General during the 2019 election campaign.
Australian Financial Review ↗Government ordered a Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. Plan review
Collected reporting said the Morrison government asked former federal police chief Mick Keelty to examine the operation of the Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. Plan after rural protests.
Australian Financial Review ↗Audit criticised water buyback value for money
Collected reporting said an Auditor-General report found the former department had not fully maximised taxpayer value for money in administering $190 million of Murray-Darling water buybacksGovernment purchase of water entitlements or licences. Buybacks were a major theme in the Senate debate, although this bill itself is about creating an inquiry rather than directly changing buyback rules..
Australian Financial Review ↗ACCC called for stronger water-market oversight
Collected reporting said the ACCC backed a new independent agency and basinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin.-wide laws to oversee Murray-Darling water trading and prevent market manipulation and insider trading.
Australian Financial Review ↗Government pledged support around 450 GL water recovery
Collected reporting said the Albanese government pledged $300 million for regional communities affected by water recovery aimed at sending an additional 450 gigalitres down the Murray River.
Australian Financial Review ↗Commission of InquiryThe proposed inquiry body established by the bill. It would report to Parliament with findings and recommendations about Commonwealth environmental water management. bill introduced
Senator Ross Cadell introduced the private senator's billA bill introduced by a senator who is not introducing it as a government minister. APH lists this bill as a private bill sponsored by Senator Ross Cadell. in the Senate and moved the second reading. The APH record collected for this page lists the bill as before the Senate.
Parliament of Australia ↗Senate debate recorded government opposition
Senate debate continued the next day. Senator Murray Watt said the government would oppose the bill and defended the Basin PlanThe water-management plan made under the Water Act 2007. The bill would let the Commission examine the framework governing environmental water, including the Water Act and the Basin Plan. and the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance..
Senate Hansard ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Key criticism
The main criticism in the collected parliamentary debate came from Senator Murray Watt for the government. He opposed the bill as a political stunt linked to the Farrer by-election, argued the National Party had neglected Murray-Darling water recovery while in government, and said the Basin PlanThe water-management plan made under the Water Act 2007. The bill would let the Commission examine the framework governing environmental water, including the Water Act and the Basin Plan. and Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. were delivering environmental outcomes. The explanatory memorandum also acknowledges that the bill's coercive inquiry powers engage rights to privacy, reputation, liberty, fair hearing and the privilege against self-incrimination, while arguing the safeguards are proportionate.
This page separates criticism of the bill from the sponsors' allegations about water management. No committee report, division result or passed text was collected for this bill.
Government called the bill political and unnecessary
Senator Murray Watt said the bill was not a sincere attempt to address Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. issues, but a National Party political move before the Farrer by-election.
Government defended the Basin Plan and CEWH
Watt argued the government was committed to a mix of voluntary buybacks, water infrastructure and efficiency projects, and said the Commonwealth Environmental Water HolderThe statutory office that manages Commonwealth environmental water holdings. The bill would establish an inquiry focused on its role, conduct and performance. had supported native fish, bird breeding, threatened frogs and river and wetland health.
Inquiry powers would affect individual rights
The explanatory memorandum says the bill engages privacy and reputation, fair hearing, liberty and security, and the privilege against self-incrimination because the Commission could compel documents, require evidence and issue warrants in limited circumstances.
Further sources
Votes
No recorded votes have been found yet for this bill.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Ross Cadell supported the bill as an accountability measure for Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. management.
Read in Hansard ↗Murray Watt opposed the bill for the government.
Read in Hansard ↗Bridget McKenzie supported the bill as a targeted and time-limited inquiry into the rollout of Murray-Darling BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. water policy and the use of Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers..
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
1 speaker · 1 oppose
“In summing up, the government will be opposing this bill. It's a stunt from a desperate National Party”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 3 contributions · 2 support
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Ross Cadell on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Ross Cadell supported the bill as an accountability measure for Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. management. He argued that BasinThe river basin and connected communities at the centre of the bill. The proposed inquiry would examine environmental, agricultural, economic and community impacts in the Basin. communities needed clear answers about whether environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. was being used effectively, whether promised environmental outcomes were being delivered, and what the costs were for farms, towns and regional economies.
“This Bill establishes a Commission of Inquiry into the behaviour, practices and performance of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder who is the entity responsible for managing billions of dollars' worth of environmental water under the Murray-Darling Basin framework.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Ross Cadell supported the bill and argued for an inquiry that could report to Parliament rather than depend on the government of the day. His speech focused on regional water security, buybacks, infrastructure, alleged compliance failures and the need to test whether Commonwealth environmental waterWater held, managed or used for environmental purposes under the Water Act 2007 or Basin Plan 2012. The bill focuses on how Commonwealth environmental water is managed and what outcomes it delivers. is being used well.
“This bill calls on an open inquiry into the aspect of Commonwealth water only. It is not a free-for-all on who took what and who does what in the environment. It is narrow to the actions of government.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“As a responsible party of government, what we have put forward today, what the shadow minister for water, Michael McCormack, has developed in consultation with others, and which Senator Cadell brings before the Senate today is a bill that brings a commission of inquiry forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
