The Australian Government will revise its national marine debris plan to limit the damage that plastic and other waste products cause to Australia’s marine life. Marine debris – garbage washed from land or dumped by ships at sea and abandoned fishing gear – poses a serious danger to all sea creatures. Marine species can ingest…
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH HON DR STEVEN MILES MP, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT & HON JACKIE TRAD MP, QUEENSLAND DEPUTY PREMIER The Australian and Queensland Governments have made a significant update to the Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement, established in 1979, to further strengthen our plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef…
As part of our strong commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef, the Federal Government is appointing an Independent Expert Panel to provide scientific advice on Reef priorities and actions. The Panel will be chaired by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, and will include leading Australian scientists from a variety of scientific disciplines. The…
More than 150 new Green Army projects are set to hit the ground in every state and territory across the country as part of round three of the programme. The new round three projects bring the total number of projects ready to be delivered over the first three years of the programme to 704. We’ve…
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH HON IAN MACFARLANE MP, MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND SCIENCE The Senate has passed a Renewable Energy Target (RET) that will result in more than 23.5% of Australia’s electricity being derived from renewable sources by 2020. There will be considerable growth in both small and large scale renewable energy by 2020 and…
In July this year, I will embark on a 500km walk around my electorate to increase awareness about autism and raise money for Abacus Learning Centre and Amaze (Autism Victoria). I invite you to walk with me for 1km, a day, or any part of the walk to help me support this cause or to…
The Government has significantly exceeded its first year target of 250 Green Army teams – with more than 300 projects already commenced or completed. Green Army projects are underway in every state and territory with young people working on a range projects that are making a difference to our environment. Local communities and participants continue…
I am delighted to announce the Hyundai Motor Company Australia as the second Clean Air Champion – and welcome them onboard the Government’s important new environmental initiative. Clean Air Champions are a select group of representatives from industry, community and academia and will be helping to raise awareness and knowledge of air quality issues through…
Round Two of the Australian Government’s landmark $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund is now open. The fund will provide a significant injection for local towns and communities to ensure residents in regional areas have access to top-class facilities. This is about making our regions more attractive places to live, work and enjoy. The Fund…
On behalf of the Commonwealth Government, I acknowledge the passing of Phillip Toyne AO. Phillip was a friend and a mentor, he was a true gentleman and he was both passionate and a highly effective exponent of deep practical conservation. Phillip made a significant contribution to conservation and land management as one of the founders…