Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support an inquiry into these matters. It is unwarranted and unnecessary. We all care for the reef and are custodians of it. Significant work has already been undertaken to protect and support the reef. That is why we have the Reef 2050 Plan, with the Reef Trust to provide $40 million for specific work to improve water quality along the reef. An inquiry at this time would only delay, confuse and potentially pre-empt the findings of the comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area and adjacent coastal zone that is currently being undertaken by the Australian and Queensland governments. An inquiry of this type would also involve matters relating to the Abbot Point dredging and dredge spoil disposal project, which are the subject of judicial review proceedings in the Federal Court and before the AAT. Minister Hunt will make a well-informed consideration of the issues related to this proposed development with the full assessment information. The previous government repeatedly put off making important environmental decisions. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.