Governments must renew and update the National Water Initiative (NWI) to address the effects of climate change and growing and changing demand for water. The NWI was created in 2004 and sets out principles for water management, covering everything from access rights to pricing principles and investment in infrastructure.

This report finds the foundations of the NWI should be retained and expanded to help governments navigate growing water security challenges. It proposes modernised and additional objectives that reflect community expectations for effective, efficient and equitable delivery of water services.

A renewed NWI should also better support the unique role of water in the lives and livelihoods of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The public is invited to examine this interim report and comment on it by making a written submission by 24 April 2024. Further inform on how to provide a submission is included on the inquiry website - National Water Reform 2024.