Environment and Communications References Committee

Maria Kovacic

At the request of Senator Bragg, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 26 March 2027:

The impacts of, and Commonwealth policy responses to, coastal erosion in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the scale and rate of coastal erosion across Australia and the adequacy of current national coastal hazard mapping, monitoring and data-sharing arrangements;

(b) the environmental impacts of coastal erosion, including the loss of dunes, wetlands and coastal habitat and impacts on biodiversity, and the role of natural and nature based mitigation measures in reducing erosion risk;

(c) the economic and financial impact of coastal erosion, including impacts on individuals and regions, insurance liabilities and costs, regional Australia, housing supply and prices, industry sectors, such as on tourism and agriculture, ports and other infrastructure and overall productivity;

(d) the social and community impacts of coastal erosion, including the psychological toll on affected residents, including in regional and remote communities;

(e) the adequacy of existing policy responses at the Commonwealth level, including the relevant data and evidence base, national disaster and related risk management frameworks, environmental impact and biodiversity frameworks, and regional and industry policy aspects, and community engagement and consultation approaches;

(f) potential additional policy responses at the Commonwealth level, and how they would interact with existing efforts at the state and territory, as well as local government, level; and

(g) any other related matters.

Sue Lines

The question is that business of the Senate No. 2 standing in the name of Senator Bragg be agreed to.