Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – Part-Time Member – Appointment 2019

Overview

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – Part-Time Member - Appointment 2019I was enacted in 2019 to address the need for additional expertise within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. This appointment was made under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, which was enacted to protect the environmental, ecological, geo­logical and recreational values of the Great Barrier Reef region. The policy objective of this appointment, as conveyed in the text, is to ensure the authority has the necessary resources and expertise to effectively manage and protect the Great Barrier Reef. The appointment was made by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and under the authority of subsection 10(2) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. This legislative instrument appoints Mr Duane Fraser as a part-time member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for a period of five years commencing from the date of the instrument.

Scope and Application

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – Part-Time Member - Appointment 2019I establishes the appointment of Mr Duane Fraser as a part-time member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority under the authority granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. This appointment is made by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. This appointment is effective for a term of five years, starting from the date of the instrument, 3 October 2019. The appointment is focused on individuals, specifically Mr Duane Fraser, to serve in a part-time capacity within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which is responsible for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Act applies within the jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby extending its influence over environmental governance and marine park management across the entire Great Barrier Reef region. The appointment of a part-time member to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is a specific application of the broader legislative framework established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. This appointment mechanism allows for the inclusion of additional expertise and perspectives within the authority's decision-making processes, thereby potentially enhancing the management and conservation efforts of the Great Barrier Reef. The Act does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds for such appointments, leaving the process to be guided by the criteria and advice provided to the Governor-General by the Federal Executive Council. This legislative act underscores the federal government’s commitment to the sustainable management of the Great Barrier Reef, a site of significant ecological and cultural importance.

Key Provisions

Pursuant to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, section 10(2) allows for the appointment of part-time members to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (sections 10(1) and 10(2)). The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has exercised this power to appoint Mr Duane Fraser as a part-time member for a term of five years commencing on the date of the instrument, 3 October 2019. This appointment aims to ensure that the Authority benefits from Mr Fraser's expertise and experience, contributing to the effective management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Mr Fraser, as a part-time member, will be expected to participate in the decision-making processes of the Authority, aligning with the objectives of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (sections 4 and 5). This includes attending meetings, providing input on park management strategies, and collaborating with other members to develop policies that promote the conservation and sustainable use of the marine park. His role will require him to adhere to the operational guidelines and objectives set forth by the Authority and the overarching Act. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 imposes several obligations on appointed members, including the duty to act in the best interests of the marine park and its stakeholders (section 6). Mr Fraser must ensure that his decisions and actions are consistent with the principles of conservation and sustainable use, as mandated by the Act. Additionally, he is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct and integrity, avoiding any conflicts of interest that could compromise his ability to serve effectively. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 can result in significant consequences. While the specific section detailing penalties is not explicitly referenced in the instrument, breaches of the Act can lead to disciplinary actions, including potential removal from office (section 11). In more severe cases, individuals may face legal proceedings, which could result in fines or other penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The overarching aim is to ensure that all members uphold the standards necessary to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park effectively.