Murray-Darling Basin, Australia’s biggest food bowl, is bracing for a grim end of year as major dams are looking low.
The former Australian Federal Police commissioner has been asked to investigate water thefts and corruption in the Basin.
Interim Inspector-General Mick Keelty said his focus will be on protecting the scarce resource of water int he coming months.
"It is important that this area remains viable to the economy of the nation," Mr Keelty said.