QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:49): Of course Australian citizens are entitled to make those types of applications if they choose to. What the Australian government will do is comply with Australian law. And that's what we're doing in relation to the projects that Senator Waters has raised, as we have done with every single project that has been considered by me as minister or by my predecessors as environment minister.

In the previous question, Senator Waters also raised the status of the Great Barrier Reef. We've certainly been working very hard over the last few months to put before the World Heritage Committee the evidence that demonstrates that the Great Barrier Reef is the best managed coral reef anywhere in the world. Senator Whish-Wilson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

Senator WATT: It's why we have expended so much investment on the Great Barrier Reef since coming to power. It's why we've worked very hard with the Queensland government. Senator Whish-Wilson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

Senator Whish-Wilson! Senator Whish-Wilson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson, I called order twice. I called your name and you still showed such disrespect towards me.

Listen in silence or leave the chamber. Senator WATT: We've been very pleased to put before the World Heritage Committee the evidence about what we're doing to protect and restore the reef, including the recent changes we made in the EPBC reforms. (Time expired)