Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment Bill 2007

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Senator Jan McLucas, which means that it was rejected.

Ms McLucas explained that the purpose of her amendment was "to extend the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park region to the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone" (EEZ).(Read Ms McLucas's full explanation and the associated debate here, beginning from 8:14 pm. )

Background to the bill

The bill was introduced in response to recommendations made in the Review of the Corporate Governance of Statutory Authorities and Office Holders (the Uhrig Review).(Read more about the background to the bill in its bills digest. ) The bill amends the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to:

• implement changes to the governance arrangements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority;
• provide for a periodic outlook report and the development of zoning plans for the Marine Park; and
• replace the Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee with a non-statutory advisory board.(A summary of the bill and its explanatory memorandum can be found here.)