Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support this important motion and thank the member for Moreton, my fellow Queenslander from the class of 2007, for it and acknowledge his longstanding passion and commitment to the environment and action on climate change.

In September, the World Heritage Committee decided not to list the Great Barrier Reef as 'in danger'. This confirmed the draft decision from UNESCO handed down in August, which cited 'significant progress' being made on climate change, water quality and sustainable fishing, which will all put the reef on a stronger and more sustainable path.

This is a very good outcome and particularly welcome news in regional communities in Queensland, where the Great Barrier Reef supports local jobs and local economies. It injects about $6.4 billion into state and regional economies every year through tourism and other income, and it's estimated to support about 64,000 jobs, most of which are in regional towns along the length of the eastern coast of Queensland, as well as cafes, restaurants, hotels and, of course, a flotilla of reef boats. There wouldn't be a Queenslander who hasn't enjoyed the Great Barrier Reef. I think it's a fantastic place to visit. So it's important not only for the environment but for the economy in my home state of Queensland. It's important for our national economy as well—64,000 jobs is a lot of jobs both in Queensland and nationally.

It confirms that the Albanese Labor government, together with the Palaszczuk Labor government—in my home state of Queensland—is acting on climate change and working hard to protect the reef and that the rest of the world has taken notice.

Of course, this decision that was made recently doesn't mean that the reef is in the clear; it won't deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement. Every coral reef in the world will be vulnerable if we don't take action on climate change. But it just confirms that the Labor government's policy, at both levels, is making a difference.

The coalition really didn't care about the reef. They refused to take action on climate change, and, again, that changed with the change of government last year. A decision was made clear, and Australia's environmental policies were fundamentally changed under Labor and for better. In fact, around that time we understand sources close to UNESCO told the French newspaper Le Monde that on climate change and the environment: 'the approach from the Australian government has completely changed.'

Between the new government and the old one, it's a bit like night and day.

Or, as President Macron might say: 'I don't think Australia has a better climate policy now. I know.'

Since coming to office, the government has hit the ground running, tackling climate change and the protection of the Great Barrier Reef, investing a record $1.2 billion in the reef and delivering a raft of measures on climate change, water quality and sustainable fishing, which this motion sets out. In fact, just last week the Minister for the Environment and Water was in Cairns announcing an extra $50 million to improve water quality on the reef, bringing our total investment to $200 million. The UNESCO and World Heritage Committee decision makes clear Australia's environmental policies have fundamentally changed under this government and changed for the better.

The coalition's appalling track record on climate change and the environment showed they really didn't care. The Liberal and National parties put the reef at risk for a decade and did so by their failure on climate change policy, and they continue to demonstrate disregard for it. There are so many people sitting on the opposition benches that don't believe humans have any impact on the environment, let alone any impact on climate change. Well, that's all changed under this government. We actually believe in the science. We don't believe in the mythology that those opposite believe in. Seriously, they should look at science and be governed by expert advice in this area.

I can assure you that farmers in my electorate believe strongly in climate change. They really do, because they see the impact on their properties and their grazing lands and their crops each and every day. The National Farmers Federation and other agricultural groups, tourism groups and the business community have been way ahead of those opposite when it comes to taking action on climate change.

I heard the difference between the European assessment of us as a government and the European assessment of the last government during two parliamentary delegations in the last two years. European hosts and government officials from countries like Belgium, the EU, France, Sweden and the UK all recognised that under this government Australia is once again serious about taking action on climate change. This government will support Australia's special places and the plants and animals that call it home. We'll always support the Australians who rely on a healthy environment for jobs and, what's more, our policies will make a difference.

Again, because of environmental, cultural and economic importance, the government, in consultation with science, industry, conservation and other experts, will take strong action to protect the reef. The motion talks about recognising the importance of our partners, agencies and stakeholders, and we'll continue to work with the business community and the Palaszczuk government to protect our reef, and that's very important. It's the planet's natural wonder.

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