Susan McDonald (Queensland, National Party) | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator McGrath, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 October 2020:

The identification of leading practices in ensuring evidence-based regulation of farm practices that impact water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef, with particular reference to:

(a) the existing evidence-base on the impact of farm water runoff on the health of the Great Barrier Reef and catchment areas;

(b) the connectivity of farm practices throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment areas to water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;

(c) relevant legislation and regulation, including in relation to impacts of water quality, farm management and soil runoff;

(d) proposed changes to regulations that would impact on farm productivity and the potential benefits and costs of such proposed regulation;

(e) the wider economic and social impact of proposed regulations to restrict farm practices; and

(f) any related matters.