On 19 June 2018, the Senate referred the 2018-19 Budget measure Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 13 July 2018.

The closing date for submissions is 2 July 2018.

On 25 June 2018, the Senate granted an extension of time to report until 15 August 2018. 

On 13 August 2018, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 16 October 2018.

On 15 October 2018, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until ​4 December 2018​. 

On 4 December 2018, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 13 February 2019.