Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Mr President. As I said right up front, I am not aware of the allegations that Senator Keneally has raised. I am happy to take that part of the question on notice. I would say again, though, that the Great Barrier Reef Foundation of course is the lead charity for the Great Barrier Reef, having raised over $90 million since it was established.

Opposition senators interjecting—

I am happy to take you through it. You are obviously not interested in investment in the health of the Great Barrier Reef. The foundation has raised $58.97 million from corporate and philanthropic contributions, of which $52.87 million is from the corporate sector and $6 million is from private philanthropy. The foundation has received $3.28 million from other sources, such as interest and research partners, including James Cook University and the University of Queensland. In addition, the GBRF has received pro bono and in-kind services to the value of $4.74 million from the corporate sector. In total, support from non-government sources equates to $66.689 million. The GBRF has been granted $29.71 million from government sources. This includes $22.35 million previously from the Australian government and $7.36 million from the Queensland government.

The Great Barrier Reef is a global icon and, as part of the Reef Trust partnership, their fundraising plan, of course, is designed to identify opportunities within Australia and overseas to raise additional funds for the protection of the reef. (Time expired)