MEMBER for Farrer Sussan Ley would like to see the water trading market become more transparent.
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Ms Ley has spoken on the issue following several calls for both the state and federal government to address the system, which has been labelled as broken and corrupt by some, including Leeton's mayor Paul Maytom.
"There does need to be more transparency ... people don't have confidence in it," she said.
"Particularly inter-valley trades that open one day and close the next.
"I'm not suggesting anyone is operating outside of the rules, however the rules may well need to be changed.
"With sensible changes to water trading rules, I believe we can bring down the price of temporary water.
"That is so important for our region."
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Competition is currently conducting an inquiry into the water market.
This inquiry is consulting with a range of water market participants and other stakeholders involved in water markets in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The ACCC is expected to present an interim report on this matter by May 31, with the complete inquiry expected to be completed by November 30 next year.
"I'm really looking forward to the outcome of the ACCC investigation into the southern water market ... that is specifically our area," Ms Ley said.
"Water is increasingly going to high-value plantings, we know that.
"Some of these are in our region.
"That's a good thing for jobs and diversity, however I'm always a bit anxious when I see our family farmers types of operations under pressure from high water prices.
"It's about having a balance."
Ms Ley, who is also the Federal Minister for the Environment, has also spoken on the climate change rally Leeton shire students are participating in on Friday.
The group are due to strike from school today for two hours as part of an international rally.
"My attention and the government's attention is already there (on climate change)," she assured.
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