On 17 September 2019, the following matter was referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 October 2020.

On 30 September 2020, the Senate granted an extension of time to report until 8 October 2020.

Submissions closed on 8 November 2019.

A large number of submissions have been made to this inquiry. These submissions will be published as soon as possible.

The identification of leading practices in ensuring evidence-based regulation of farm practices that impact water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef, with particular reference to:

1. the existing evidence-base on the impact of farm water runoff on the health of the Great Barrier Reef and catchment areas;
2. the connectivity of farm practices throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment areas to water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;
3. relevant legislation and regulation, including in relation to impacts of water quality, farm management and soil runoff;
4. proposed changes to regulations that would impact on farm productivity and the potential benefits and costs of such proposed regulation;
5. the wider economic and social impact of proposed regulations to restrict farm practices; and
6. any related matters.

• Government Response