Senator SIEWERT (4:09 PM) —I move:

   That the Senate—

(a)   notes:

(i)   that the Coral Sea is one of the world’s most diverse and pristine tropical marine regions, covering approximately 800 000 square kilometres, more than twice the size of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and is extraordinarily rich in marine life,

(ii)   that the region is virtually unprotected and is facing immediate pressures from legal and illegal fishing, as well as long-term impacts from climate change, and

(iii)   the urgent need to ensure protection and management of this unique ecosystem; and

(b)   calls on the Government to begin the consultation process for the declaration of the entire Coral Sea region as a marine-protected area, which includes a comprehensive network of marine sanctuaries.

Question negatived.