Tasmania became a signatory to the National Water Initiative on 2 June 2005.

The National Water Initiative (NWI) sets out objectives, outcomes and actions for the ongoing process of national water reform and timelines to achieve this reform.

The objective of all states and territories in implementing the NWI is to provide greater certainty for investment and the environment, and to underpin the capacity of Australia's water management regimes to deal with change responsively and fairly.

To meet this broad objective, the NWI outlines a number of key areas requiring national water reform.

• water access entitlements and planning framework
• water markets and trading
• best practice water pricing
• integrated management of water for environmental and other public benefit outcomes
• water resource accounting
• urban water reform
• knowledge and capacity building
• community partnerships and adjustment

The Tasmanian Government has made significant progress in implementing the NWI and continues to progress water reforms in the interests of Tasmanians. 

More information about the NWI and the progress of water reform can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/water/policy/nwi