Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

there was an interdepartmental taskforce led by my department to deal with the challenges facing the reef. This led to a MYEFO announcement of $57 million. I then took two submissions through the ERC process in March, which included seeking further funding for water quality, tackling the crown-of-thorns starfish, reef science, Indigenous engagement and GBRMPA on-water management program and a proposal to establish a partnership with a non-government organisation, which was the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. This was based on three things: the Great Barrier Reef Foundation's proven track record in leveraging philanthropic support as Australia's largest reef-dedicated charity; the foundation's longstanding, extensive experience working with my department and other key stakeholders for more than a decade; and the first phase of due diligence by my department, which looked at its governance, structure, constitution, project management, fundraising history, capacity for growth, board composition and scientific expertise.

Following ERC agreement, an interdepartmental committee was established to progress this proposal, and I was given authority to approach the foundation, which occurred on 9 April, to determine whether they were interested in entering into a partnership for the benefit of the reef—

Ms Catherine King interjecting—

See this speech in context