Labor has struck a deal with the Greens to bolster the role of First Nations people in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

In a significant move, the Commonwealth Government has pledged an additional $100 million to the Murray Darling Aboriginal Water Entitlements program following a collaborative agreement with the Greens. 

The commitment is part of the Strengthening the Restoring Our Rivers Bill, jointly introduced by Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, and Greens Spokesperson for the Environment and Water, Sarah Hanson-Young.

The proposed bill, aimed at addressing the historical neglect of First Nations people's water connection, history, and needs, is set for parliamentary debate this week. 

Hanson-Young says the funding is needed to help protect Indigenous water rights within the basin.

The proposed $100 million commitment, an increase from the initial $40 million, aims to acquire water entitlements for the benefit of First Nations Peoples across the Murray–Darling Basin. 

The plan emphasises collaboration with Indigenous communities in the program's implementation.

The proposal includes mandatory reporting, compelling environmental water holders to demonstrate consideration of First Nations values and involvement of First Nations people in environmental watering decisions.

The legislation also seeks to extend the deadline for the $13 billion plan, originally set for June 2024, to the end of 2027. 

The Greens' support is crucial to avoiding a missed deadline, which would trigger government-initiated water buybacks of approximately 300 gigalitres next year.

Beyond financial commitments, the proposal enhances accountability by empowering the Commonwealth Government to withdraw State Government infrastructure projects deemed unviable. 

An independent audit of water allocated to the Commonwealth Environment Water Holder is also part of the plan.

Environmental organisations across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland have welcomed the agreement between the Greens and the Albanese Government. 

They view the proposed amendments as a chance to restore Basin rivers after years of delays.

The groups underscore the agreement's positive impact on river health and First Nations water justice. 

The collaboration follows years of grassroots efforts by Murray-Darling communities, including farmers, irrigators, First Nations leaders, and environmental groups.