ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

SENATOR DON FARRELL
MINISTER FOR TRADE AND TOURISM

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

SENATOR NITA GREEN
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND

MATT SMITH
LABOR CANDIDATE FOR LEICHHARDT

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government is building Far North Queensland's future, today announcing a new program to protect and promote the Great Barrier Reef and to help more Aussie kids learn about our precious reef.
 
We will deliver a landmark $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) to boost education and awareness for schools, tourism operators, and international visitors, while highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism.
 
The Great Barrier Reef supports around 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the economy – protecting and promoting it is vital to ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
 
Labor's new REEF program will support:

• $6 million for a “Kids for the Reef” rebate program for schools across Australia to subsidise excursions to the Great Barrier Reef – making it easier for students to experience the Reef first-hand and understand its ecological significance.
• $1 million in support for local Reef tourism operators, covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of necessary upgrades, checks or clearances to accommodate school groups.
• $3 million to Tourism Tropical North Queensland to deliver an international educational campaign in key overseas markets, highlighting visiting the Reef is not only a breathtaking experience, but a vital way to help protect it.

This comes on top of an additional $5 million allocated to continue the highly successful Tourism Reef Protection Initiative.

The REEF program builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s record investment of $1.2 billion to protect, manage and restore the Great Barrier Reef which includes:

• $180 million investment to save Reef HQ after the Liberals left it underfunded.
• Over $540 million to improve water quality, for projects like revegetation and storm water drains.
• Saved 100 jobs and created another 100 jobs by doubling the funding for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, strengthening marine research in Townsville.
• Keeping the Reef off UNESCO’s World Heritage ‘in danger’ list.
• Employed more Indigenous rangers to manage Sea Country.
• Reduced the impacts of bycatch from fishing - working with the Queensland Government to protect species, like dugongs, turtles and scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

As at 10 April 2025.