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

I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 3, standing in my name, by omitting '2017-18' and substituting '2018-19'.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 13 July 2018:

The 2018-19 Budget Measure Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program, with particular reference to:

(a) the delivery of the Reef 2050 Plan, including through the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program and through other avenues;

(b) the proficiency of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and its capacity to deliver components of the Reef 2050 Plan;

(c) the proficiency of other organisations and their capacity to deliver components of the Reef 2050 Plan;

(d) the process of granting funding to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation for the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program, the terms of agreement for funding, and the ongoing administration of funding;

(e) the prior activities and operations of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, including research, public-policy advocacy and fund-raising;

(f) the establishment, governance and membership of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, including the management of conflicts of interest and commercial interests; and

(g) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government has delivered an additional $500 million for the Great Barrier Reef. Following close consideration of potential partners, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was approached to deliver $443 million of this funding not on its own but through numerous delivery partners. The foundation has strong governance arrangements and will work closely with the federal department as well as independent reef advisory bodies and expert institutions such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science to ensure the investment is delivered to best effect. The foundation will report regularly to the government on grant activities.

Question agreed to.