Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism) (12:42): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator DUNIAM: The government is concerned about high water prices and the trade in the Murray-Darling Basin. In September this year, following industry concerns, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the ACCC, was requested to immediately investigate the allegations of unconscionable conduct that investors and brokers are inflating water prices. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has also been requested to use its powers to investigate the price-reporting transparency. The ACCC is also conducting a thorough inquiry into water markets and will make recommendations to enhance competitiveness, efficiency and transparency, regulations and operations.