Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources) Share this | Hansard source

I thank senators for their contribution and their support of this bill. It is a very important bill because it seeks to implement a new governance model for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority by replacing the full-time chairman with a part-time chairman and a full-time chief executive and establishing one additional part-time member position. It strengthens the requirements for appointment and termination of members. The bill also makes minor technical amendments to clarify the relationship between the suite of legislation underpinning the functions of the authority.

The bill will strengthen the strategic capacity and capacity of the authority to respond to challenges that face the marine park. The Australian government is absolutely committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef. We understand the importance of this World Heritage site now and for future generations, and we believe that the effective operation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is absolutely central to being able to deliver on that commitment. I commend this bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.