Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

For generations Australians have understood the need to preserve precious areas of land through the creation of national parks. Our oceans contain many iconic and increasingly fragile sites which now more than ever need protection. Our planet is under pressure from climate change, ocean warming, acidification and calcification. If you look at the recent CSIRO report, you will see how much pressure our oceans are under. That has also been clarified by the Climate Commission report, by sea level rises, by warming and by the calcification of some of our iconic areas. I chaired the inquiry into the bill by the Senate Environment and Communications Legis­lation Committee and I tabled its report yes­ter­day afternoon. That report recommended that this bill not be passed.

Australia has the third-largest marine area of any nation. Our marine region extends from the coral-rich tropical seas of the north to the subantarctic waters of the Southern Ocean. Our oceans, which cover an area of over 16 million square kilometres, are twice the size of our continental landmass. In the unique area off the coast of south-west Western Australia, water depths reach almost six kilometres. These waters contain extraordinary natural biological diversity and richness. Many of the species found in Australian waters are not found anywhere else in the world—and there is still much more to be discovered.

Australians rely on our oceans for resources, recreation and livelihoods, and with this reliance comes a responsibility to manage our oceans sustainably now and for the benefit of future generations. Marine bioregional planning is focused on the conservation and sustainable use of Australia's oceans. That is why the Australian government is working with stakeholders and communities to develop marine plans and marine reserves. The planning process is based on scientific analysis of Australia's marine environment as well as analysis of socioeconomic factors, and it includes community consultation and input.

The scientists of this country are under severe pressure from those who have antiscientific views, many of whom are sitting opposite.

Senator Boswell interjecting—

There we go—I just thought that Senator Boswell would come in right away. Senator Boswell is one of those who has no credibility in terms of scientific analysis. Senator Boswell is one who says that there are no CO2 emissions causing problems anywhere in the world. Senator Boswell is a climate change denier, and that is why he is on his feet.