A Shorten Labor Government will act to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and the 70,000 jobs it supports, from the disastrous effects of climate change and other environmental threats. Since 1985, the Reef has lost 50 per cent of its hard coral cover. The Reef is under pressure from poor water quality (nutrients, sediments and pesticides), coastal development, extreme weather events, including freshwater inundation, ocean acidification and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.
sceptical towards state expenditure on education, for example in favour of study fees or private schools