Warming oceans – the canary in the coal mine
1.1
The Australian Greens would have preferred the committee's report to
have been titled "Warming oceans – the canary in the coal mine". This
cuts straight to the point: our carbon emissions—especially from burning
coal—are the primary cause of our warming oceans; and the consequential and
terrible impacts on our fisheries and biodiversity. We are disappointed that
the major parties would not agree to this.
This is symptomatic of a bigger problem where the role of coal is continually
downplayed as a result of bipartisan political support for the industry in this
country.
Funding of the RV Investigator and GBRMPA
1.2
Whilst the Australian Greens accept the committee's recommendations that
the Government should review funding for research into the impacts of climate
change on our oceans, increased funding should be provided without delay:
-
for the RV Investigator to conduct a full year of scientific
ocean research (above the current 180 days); and
-
to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for more
scientific research on the impacts of coral bleaching, ocean acidification and
other climate impacts.
1.3
With the World Heritage Committee looking at the future health of the
Great Barrier Reef—and, more broadly, the health of the world's coral
reefs—and a potential 'world heritage in danger' listing within two years,
now is the time to commit funds to conduct the necessary surveys and research
and development. A recent review into Australia's climate science
capability by the Australian Academy of Science is just one of a number of
pieces of evidence that supports the need for funds to be committed urgently to
climate research. To quote Bill McKibben, a world‑renowned climate
activist, winning slowly is the same as losing.
Recommendation 1
1.4
That the Australian Government provide further funding to increase the
number of days the RV Investigator can be at sea.
Recommendation 2
1.5
That the Australian Government immediately increase funding provided for
researching the effects of climate change and weather, with an emphasis on the
marine environment and possible adaptation measures.
An Oceans Commissioner
1.6
The Greens believe a key recommendation from this inquiry should be the
immediate appointment of an Oceans Commissioner. Both the public service and
the Parliament need an oceans champion, a public figure who can without fear or
favour stand up and advocate for the health of our oceans, play a co-ordination
role across many government departments, and drive change and action to help
fix an ocean that is fast becoming 'broken'.
1.7
The Australian Greens note that the establishment of a National Oceans Commissioner
could be compared to the Government's appointment of a Threatened Species
Commissioner, which has not been without its detractors. However, we feel that
a short consultation process on how the Threatened Species Commissioner
position could be better resourced and more independent of government could
help remedy this. Similarly, a National Oceans Commissioner should be
adequately resourced and have an appropriate degree of independence from
government.
1.8
The Australian Greens would also like to see the selection process for
an Oceans Commissioner involving a public submissions and nomination process
for a suitably qualified person who has broad stakeholder support, to avoid the
potential for any political appointments.
Recommendation 3
1.9
That the Australian Government appoint a National Oceans Commissioner.
Recommendation 4
1.10
That, within the first twelve months after the appointment of a National
Oceans Commissioner, the Australian Government direct the Commissioner to
undertake consultation and report on whether the current allocation of policy,
regulatory, coordination and research responsibilities within the Commonwealth
public sector is appropriate for addressing the most pressing challenges facing
Australia's oceans and seas.
Senator Peter
Whish-Wilson
Chair
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