Opened the debate
Penfold moved the second reading of the bill, which establishes a commission of inquiry into the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder. Penfold argued that the holder controls more than 2,000 gigalitres of water and that its decisions significantly impact river operations and water markets across the Murray-Darling Basin. Penfold stated that communities lack trust in the holder's transparency and accountability, particularly regarding water buybacks that have proceeded without full delivery of complementary infrastructure works. Penfold highlighted socioeconomic harms in towns such as Wakool, including population decline and business contraction, resulting from policies not subject to proper socioeconomic testing. The member asserted that the commission would independently test evidence, compel documents, and hear from experts and communities across all basin states. Penfold concluded that the inquiry was necessary to ensure fair and transparent management of this national resource.