The Murray-Darling river system in south-eastern Australia is home to 2.5 million people and has an agricultural sector worth $24 billion a year, but on any fair reading it's not in very good shape.

Yesterday, the SA Government released a scathing independent report into why, which labelled the current basin plan unlawful and suggested drastic action was needed.

So how did we get here?

And if the Basin Plan is illegal, can it be fixed?

Today on The Signal, we're diving into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

We ask what the Commissioner found was wrong, how he thinks we got here, and whether he has any ideas for a fix.

Featured:

Michael Slezak, ABC National Science, Technology and Environment Reporter

Maryanne Slattery, Senior Water Researcher, Australia Institute

Phillip Glyde, CEO, Murray-Darling Basin Authority

Steven Marshall, SA Premier