Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy) | Hansard source

These surveys indicated variable levels of bleaching between different regions and between different reefs. Some reefs are unaffected; others are experiencing minor paling; and some, where the heat stress is greatest, are severely impacted—that is correct. It's important to note that corals can in fact survive bleaching events, some corals will be mildly or moderately affected and some will recover when favourable conditions return. The bleaching follows a summer of very hot weather and record-breaking temperatures across the reef. The reef authority will continue to brief the minister on reef conditions as the data becomes increasingly available.