Submissions
The ACCC released an issues paper on 17 October 2019 seeking views on the key issues affecting markets for tradeable water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin. Submission to the issues paper closed 29 November 2019.
Water
Water charge rules
The ACCC is responsible for enforcing the water charge rules.
2019 amendments
On 3 April 2019 the Minister amended the rules, including combining the three sets of rules into the Water Charge Rules 2010.
Views sought on Murray-Darling Basin water markets
The ACCC is calling on irrigators and other water market participants to share their views on the operation of water markets in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Issues paper
The ACCC released an Issues Paper seeking views on the key issues affecting markets for tradeable water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Public forums
The ACCC hosted a series of public forums in November to hear the views of those engaged in, or affected by, markets for tradeable water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Final report
A final report is due to the Treasurer by 30 November 2020.
Interim report
The date to provide an interim report to the Treasurer has been extended from 31 May 2020 to 30 June 2020.
Final decision
On 4 September 2019, the ACCC made a final decision to accredit the Essential Services Commission (Victoria) (ESCV) under Part 9 of the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules 2010 (WCIR).
Inquiry into Murray-Darling Basin water markets commences
The ACCC has commenced an Inquiry into markets for tradeable water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin.
As a formal inquiry under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the ACCC will have access to compulsory information gathering powers that will enable a thorough examination of competition and transparency issues in the markets.