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

The question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Wong. It's been reported that 44 per cent of the world's oceans are currently experiencing measured marine heatwaves. We're experiencing record ocean temperatures in the north Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico and unprecedented low levels of winter sea ice in Antarctica. Last week, waters off the coast of the US state of Florida hit 38.8 degrees Celsius—the highest in recorded history anywhere—causing widespread, immediate coral bleaching. Senator Wong, do you acknowledge that these ocean-warming events are climate change, linked to rising global emissions largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think that's a matter of scientific record. Climate change has an effect on the marine domain as it has an effect on the terrestrial domain, and so forth. I may say, in addition to that, that one of the things which we know is occurring and which is a risk particularly for Pacific island regions and South-East Asia is the effect that these phenomena—which include warming but also different patterns of warming in different currents—are having on fish stocks. Let's remember one of the things that we forget, because we obviously have a large continent that produces a lot of beef and meat: the primary source of protein for much of our region is fish. One of the things that we have engaged in detail about with Pacific island nations, Indonesia and others is how we can ensure we secure fish stocks at a time when climate change is, amongst other things, impacting upon the availability and pattern of fish. One of the ways in which we can do that is obviously the regulation of fishing, but, more broadly, there are environmental measures as well in relation to oceans.

There is a broader issue of how we as a country will ensure that we play our part in tracking the path from Paris towards net zero by 2050. We are determined to do that, and the report that was released overnight by UNESCO in relation to the reef recognises the work that this government is doing in the face of climate change. I don't think that, on this side of the parliament, you've had the same views that have been expressed on the other side for over a decade, questioning the science. Where we disagree—and we do disagree—is with your policy propositions. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Whish-Wilson, first supplementary?

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

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think the Minister for the Environment and Water, along with the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Green, and the Prime Minister did stand up today and make comments before the media about this issue. Yes, we do recognise the importance of the reef and how critical the reef is to Queensland's environment and economy. We also understand the importance of acting on climate. Furthermore, we understand the importance of investing in the Great Barrier Reef.

We are committed as a government to protecting the reef, for the 64,000 jobs which rely on it. We also recognise that UNESCO has seen significant progress made by our government in relation to climate change, water quality and sustainable fishing. That is because we have invested a record $1.2 billion in the reef. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Whish-Wilson, your second supplementary?

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

The UNESCO draft decision states not only that the reef remains under serious threat but that urgent and sustained action is needed to improve the long-term resilience of the reef. Minister, you've acknowledged the impact rising emissions, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, have on coral health. How is the Albanese Labor government's approval of new coal and gas projects, including three coalmines in 53 days, taking urgent and sustained action to protect the reef?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The UNESCO draft decision cites significant progress being made by the Albanese Labor government, particularly in relation to our policy on climate change as well as measures in relation to water quality and sustainable fishing. This is all about putting the reef on a stronger and more sustainable path.

I note that there was public reporting of a source close to UNESCO describing how the Australian government's approach had changed completely and the difference between the new government and the old one is like night and day. But, of course, we understand that these decisions—

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

President, I raise a point of order on relevance. I did ask specifically how the approval of three coalmines in 53 days was taking urgent and sustained action on climate change.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You did, Senator Whish-Wilson, and you also talked about the UNESCO draft recommendations, so the minister is being relevant.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What I was going to say is that of course this decision does not mean the reef is in the clear. I'd make this point: if we collectively—humanity—don't deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement, every coral reef in the world is vulnerable. What we are doing is working with industry to transform this— (Time expired)