Senator WATERS (Queensland) (14:47): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Senator Conroy. This week, the World Heritage Committee is meeting to discuss UNESCO's draft decision about the state of our Great Barrier Reef. The draft decision says the reef is on track for World Heritage in Danger listing— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Wait a minute, Senator Waters. You are entitled to be heard in silence. There is talk going on on both sides of the chamber. It makes it difficult to hear. Senator WATERS: Thank you, Mr President. The draft decision said that the reef was on track for World Heritage in Danger listing within eight months if current developments proceed. It said there should be no new ports, no port expansions that would harm the values of the reef, no new development approvals before the strategic assessment of the reef is finished, and that independent science is needed into the Gladstone harbour— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WATERS: Excuse me, Mr President, this is ridiculous. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence, on both sides, we will proceed. Senator Waters, continue. Senator WATERS: Thanks, Mr President. Given this slap in the face, will the minister now do as UNESCO asks and put a moratorium on new development affecting the reef and stop approving the frenzy of dredging— Senator Ian Macdonald: Let UNESCO run Australia. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Waters, cease asking your question because there is noise which prevents me from hearing the question, which is not fair to you and not fair to the minister who has to answer the question. Senator WATERS: Will the minister now do as UNESCO asks and put a moratorium on new development affecting the reef and stop approving this frenzy of dredging, dumping and shipping for coal and coal seam gas to avoid the international embarrassment of a World Heritage in Danger listing?