COMMITTEES

Senator KOVACIC (New South Wales) (16:07): At the request of Senator Cadell, I move: That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 March 2027: The design and implementation of Commonwealth marine spatial planning and protection, with particular reference to: (a) the scientific, environmental, social and economic basis for the Government's commitment to place 30% of Australia's marine environment in highly protected areas by 2030, including how the target is defined, applied and measured; (b) the preparation of 6 new management plans covering 44 Australian marine parks and proposed changes affecting the Norfolk, Lord Howe and Gifford marine parks; (c) the adequacy and transparency of consultation, First Nations engagement, scientific evidence, spatial modelling and economic analysis, including relevant findings from the Futures of Seafood project; (d) whether existing and proposed marine park zoning delivers measurable biodiversity, habitat and fisheries outcomes, supported by effective monitoring, enforcement and review; (e) the cumulative effects of marine parks, offshore energy development and other marine uses on First Nations, commercial and recreational fishing, seafood production and supply chains, fishing displacement and regional communities; (f) the respective roles of highly protected areas, fisheries management, sustainable-use zoning, targeted habitat protection and other effective area based conservation measures; (g) international approaches to balancing marine conservation, sustainable seafood production and access to marine resources; (h) options to improve the design, implementation, transparency and periodic review of Commonwealth marine protection commitments; and (i) any related matters.

The PRESIDENT: The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 3, standing in the name of Senator Cadell, be agreed to.