Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Overnight, as you pointed out, Senator, UNESCO released its draft recommendation to not list the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage value as 'in danger', with a progress report now due in February of next year. In its draft decision, UNESCO has effectively put Australia on notice that a World Heritage 'in danger' listing for the reef is still possible next year. With the Bureau of Meteorology likely to upgrade its forecast for an El Nino any day now and with the increased likelihood of coral bleaching, do you accept UNESCO's statement overnight that the Great Barrier Reef still remains under serious threat? (Time expired)