Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:49): I thank the senator for her question. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's greatest treasures. It is one of Australia's most significant environmental places and has been recognised as one of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems and best managed marine areas in the world. The Gillard government is acutely aware of the challenges facing the reef, such as climate change and the impacts of coastal development. The threats to the reef and the issues impacting on it, highlighted in the mission's report and the draft state of consultation report, are clearly acknowledged in the outlook report of the Great Barrier Reef prepared by the GBRMPA in 2009. While these issues are complex— Senator Fifield: What does that stand for, Stephen? Senator CONROY: we are committed—Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, for you—to addressing them. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Waters is entitled to hear the answer to the question. Those on my left will remain silent. Senator CONROY: While these issues are complex, the government is committed to addressing them through a range of approaches both on land and in the marine environment. The UNESCO mission in March acknowledged that our management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is still considered to be best practice. The state of conservation report also made some recommendations for the comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef currently being undertaken by the Australian and Queensland governments. This will be by far the largest and most comprehensive and complex assessment undertaken in Australia, and is still in its early stages. Minister Burke welcomed the mission's feedback when they were here in March. (Time expired) Honourable senators interjecting —