Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

As I indicated, the Australian government is yet to finalise its response to the specific recommendations of the Productivity Commission report. We will ensure that we consult with basin governments and other stakeholders about that recommendation, along with others, in particular with regard to the recommendation of splitting the regulatory and system management functions of the MDBA. We recognise any split in these functions would need to carefully consider the potential impact of such a move on key basin plan outcomes, including the assessment of water resource plans. We acknowledge that the community places a high priority on ensuring effective regulation, compliance and enforcement of the plan. The MDBA has recently established an office of compliance to manage any potential conflict arising from its different roles. This office will continue to grow and evolve as the MDBA includes more regulatory functions.