Productivity Commission Review into National Water Reform 2026
Significant challenges continue to undermine town water security, particularly in regional and remote areas of the Murray-Darling Basin. In these regions, regulatory and funding constraints have repeatedly impeded the construction of critical infrastructure, including weirs and storage upgrades. Consequently, the ability to deliver secure and reliable potable water remains compromised, limiting dependable service outcomes for these […]
National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
While the draft National Statement acknowledges challenges relating to “complexities of communal land tenure, land rights, and limited access to collateral”, the draft National Statement does not attempt to engage directly with, or alter, established land tenure arrangements. As previously stated, such measures would far exceed the boundaries and purpose of a National Statement. This […]
Farm leaders unite on the Murray to demand smarter Basin management, not more buybacks
As conflict in the Middle East drives uncertainty and tightens pressure on fuel and fertiliser supply, Australia’s peak farming bodies have today stood shoulder to shoulder on the banks of the Murray River, warning the Federal Government not to compound the strain with further water buybacks. The National Farmers’ Federation, alongside NSW Farmers and Victorian […]
ACCU scheme – draft IFLM method consultation
ACCU Scheme – Draft Integrated Farm and Land Management (IFLM) Method Consultation The Integrated Farm and Land Management (IFLM) was intended to be the integrated, whole-of-farm method that Australian agriculture has sought for over a decade. It was promised to be a framework that would consolidate multiple Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) management activities under a […]
Inquiry into critical mineral projects across Australia
Inquiry into Factors Shaping Social Licence and Economic Development Outcomes in Critical Mineral Projects Across Australia NFF supports responsible development of the critical minerals sector. Development must complement agriculture which remains a key contributor for local economies. With appropriate planning and coordination, critical minerals development and agricultural land-use can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. There is […]
Review of the role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance
Statutory Review of the Role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance NFF considers that the IGWC is independent, is operating within its remit, and plays an important role in supporting the efficient and effective administration of water compliance in the Murray-Darling Basin (Basin). This submission updates our policy position in light of developments since the […]
National environmental Standards for MNES and Environmental Offsets
As a general principle, and consistent with the recommendations of Professor Graeme Samuel AC, specificity in legislation is critical, and Standards need to be granular, detailed, explicit, and supported by relevant guidelines and rulings. NFF notes the following remark by Prof. Samuel during the 14 November 2025 Senate Inquiry hearing: “Anything that might look a bit […]
Independent review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed
This submission complements that provided by New South Wales Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC). NFF’s primary interest is ensuring that any changes arising from the Review maintain the reliability of downstream water entitlements and avoid unintended impacts on agricultural water users. Protecting the reliability of water entitlements (including those downstream) must remain a central consideration of this […]
Basin Review shows smarter management, not simply ‘adding water’ is the answer
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s 2026 Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper makes it clear that a healthy Basin will not be achieved by water recovery alone, reinforcing the need for a more balanced approach to environmental management. National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the Discussion Paper acknowledges that environmental outcomes are influenced […]
Nature Repair (Enhancing Native Vegetation) Methodology Determination 2025
In recognition that more options are a positive outcome for landholders, the NFF expresses our in-principle support for the development of a methodology for enhancing native vegetation on farm. Currently, the proposed methodology for enhancing native vegetation falls short ofGovernment’s intended vision and aspiration of a Nature Repair Market. There areseveral instances where significant improvements […]