Commissioner Bret Walker said the Basin authority was "unwilling or incapable of acting lawfully".

The investigation recommended major reform including resetting water saving limits, repealing the outcome of the Northern Basin Review and new measurements for water on floodplains.

Commissioner Walker was also scathing in his remarks about NSW Minister Niall Blair.

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“In statements attributed in news reporting to NSW Minister Blair that have not been disavowed in the days following publication, would display an attitude at the very pinnacle of official responsibility that is in fact grossly irresponsible. They should be rebutted and retracted,” he said.

A statement from Mr Blair said he would examine the report, fully consider the findings and issue an interim response tomorrow.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he too would need to read the report before issuing a statement.

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