Trish Cook (Bullwinkel, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today in support of the High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026. For a nation like Australia, an island continent defined by its relationship with the sea, this legislation is a historic step towards securing the blue heart of our planet. Beyond our national waters lie the high seas. This vast expanse covers 60 per cent of the global ocean yet currently only one per cent of these waters are protected. Today, the Albanese government is acting on that.

This bill implements Australia's obligation under the BBNJ Agreement—the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—also known as the High Seas Treaty. By passing this legislation, we enable Australia to formally ratify this treaty. This will ensure that we remain a global leader in marine protection and a founding party to this landmark international framework. This bill is structured into eight parts designed to provide a robust, transparent and enforceable regulatory regime.

At its core, part 1 mandates a precautionary approach. This ensures that, even when scientific data is evolving, we prioritise the marine health of every decision made under this act. Part 2 addresses the frontier of deep sea discovery, marine genetic resources. It enables a notification based regime to ensure that discoveries made in the global commons, such as new medical compounds, are managed transparently, with information deposited and shared in regulated databases for the benefit of all.

Parts 3 and 4 provide the practical teeth of the treaty. Part 3 allows Australia to give effect to the International Marine Protected Areas, helping us reach the global 30 by 30 target—30 per cent protecting Australia's land and 30 per cent of its marine areas by 2030. Part 4 introduces a rigorous environmental impact assessment regime and this ensures that any activity within our jurisdiction that might harm the high seas is subject to the same high standards that we demand within our own borders.

We're also ensuring that this regime is accountable. Part 5 establishes a public high seas biodiversity register, providing transparencies for certificates and exemptions. Part 6 provides the necessary compliance and enforcement powers, allowing for inspectors, audits and civil penalties to ensure that the rules are followed. Parts 7 and 8 handle the essential administration, including information management and the ability to provide financial assistance to meet our international obligations. Crucially, this act will be subject to 10-yearly reviews to ensure that it remains fit for purpose as our ocean changes.

Some people may ask why this matters to the people of Australia. The answer is simple: our marine industries, including fisheries and tourism, rely on a healthy ocean. The fish stocks in our waters do not recognise international boundaries. By protecting the high seas, we are safeguarding the health of our own coastal ecosystems and of course the environment and the creatures that live in these areas, and the thousands of jobs that depend on these industries. The Albanese Labor government is committed to working with our partners in the region and beyond. Ratifying this treaty demonstrates our commitment to international law and our dedication to protecting marine life for generations to come. This bill is about legacy. It's about ensuring that the blue heart of our planet continues to beat for our children and our grandchildren. I commend this bill to the House.

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