Independent assessment of social and economic conditions in the Basin

The assessment panel was independent to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), reporting directly to the Minister.

The final report was released by Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, The Hon Keith Pitt MP, on 4 September 2020.

The assessment panel included Chair Robbie Sefton, Andrew Kassebaum, David McKenzie, Dr Deborah Peterson, Michelle Ramsay, Bruce Simpson and Rene Woods, who met with 750 people in communities, received more than 70 submissions to the draft report and commissioned extensive social and economic research.

The review highlighted there are underlying issues greater than water reform and a whole-of-government response is needed to address changes in population, industry and technology across the Basin.

Of the report's 22 recommendations, 3 relate to the MDBA's work in engagement, non-water related Basin Plan accounting, and socio-economic evaluation. Read the MDBA's media release detailing our response to the report.

More information on the panel's work, reports and background documents are available from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

To access additional supporting documents contact engagement@mdba.gov.au.