Daily Bulletin

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The government’s response to the UNESCO recommendation that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as “in danger” was one of surprise and shock.

The recommendation will be considered at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting next month.

While the proposal calls attention to the need to address the effect of climate change and other factors which are degrading the reef, the government alleges it’s part of wider global politics.

Read more: Australian government was 'blindsided' by UN recommendation to list Great Barrier Reef as in-danger. But it's no great surprise

Environment Minister Sussan Ley is adamant UNESCO’s recommendation represents “international politics at play” which have “subverted the normal and proper process.”

In the background, the government points to China – which chairs the World heritage Committee – but Ley treads carefully.

“Others can make judgements about what those international politics are…”

“If the politicisation of a process that we have constructively contributed to for over 40 years is now going to be the norm, the points that I will make with the 21 member countries [on the committee] and others who might influence them is that this is the moment to reflect on what the World Heritage Committee is all about and consider the risk to your own properties.

"Because if the entire system is politicised, then we aren’t going to be acting in the interests of the natural heritage values of these places.”

Her opposition “shadow” Terri Butler wouldn’t speculate on what might be underlying the decision but “Australians would be very disappointed if they thought there was anything behind the decision other than concern for the reef.”

“What’s important here is for people to be able to have confidence in UNESCO in this decision making process.”

Butler says heading off the listing is important not just to avoid discouraging tourists from overseas but also for Australia’s image on the global stage.

“It’s really important [the government] demonstrate to the world they’re serious about protecting the reef, preserving it for future generations. And if they do that, they should also be in a position to fight really hard to avoid this particular listing.

Listen on Apple Podcasts Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sussan Ley and Terri Butler on the Great Barrier Reef being 'in danger'

Stitcher Listen on TuneIn

Listen on RadioPublic Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sussan Ley and Terri Butler on the Great Barrier Reef being 'in danger'

A List of Ways to Die, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.

Authors: Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Read more https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-sussan-ley-and-terri-butler-on-the-great-barrier-reef-being-in-danger-163286

Business News

A Guide to Finance Automation Software

When running a business, it is critical to streamline certain processes to maintain efficiency. Too much to spent manually on tasks can wind up being detrimental to the overall health of the organis...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Top Tips for Cost-effective Storefront Signage

The retail industry is highly competitive and if you are in the process of setting up a retail store, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few tips to help you create a stunning storefront...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

How Freight Forwarding Simplifies Global Trade Operations

Global trade operations are becoming increasingly complex due to international regulations, customs procedures, and the sheer scale of global logistics. For businesses looking to expand internation...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin