Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Van for his impressive supplementary question. It's not just a question of addressing the waste and recycling but also a question of whether we, in our deep connection to our oceans, beaches and waterways, are committed to working with our partners across the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. That's why we're supporting our Pacific neighbours to combat marine litter with the $16 million Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Earlier this month at the Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial conference on the blue economy, Minister Payne announced the establishment of the IORA Indian Ocean Blue Carbon Hub. This Perth based scientific hub hosted by the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre at the University of Western Australia will allow experts from across the Indian Ocean rim to protect the health of ocean carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses, providing more practical assistance towards a cleaner environment.