Independent Review of Governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

New governance arrangements for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority introduced in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Authority Governance and Other Matters) Act 2018 came into effect on 29 October 2018. Dr Ian Poiner was appointed as Chairperson of the Authority on this date. Mr Joshua Thomas commenced as Chief Executive Officer of the Authority on 18 March 2019.

The Australian Government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage site, now and for future generations. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is central to this commitment.

On 7 March 2017 the Australian Government announced an independent review of governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The review focused on the role and composition of the Authority’s Board in supporting the functions of the Authority. The review was led by Dr Wendy Craik AM, reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Energy.

The Australian Government released the Review Report on 5 October 2017 and announced the Government Response on 30 November. The Australian Government accepted all 24 recommendations. The Government’s Response will ensure the Authority is best placed to continue its important work with reef users, business, research, and government and non-government partners.

On 29 October 2018 the Minister for the Environment announced the appointment of Dr Ian Poiner as Chairperson of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Public submissions were invited from 7 March to 7 April 2017, and the Independent Reviewer met with targeted stakeholders during April and May 2017. On 27 March 2017, the Independent Reviewer released a background paper to support submissions to the review. The review concluded in July 2017.

Background

The Authority was established through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to set up and manage the Marine Park, provide advice to the Minister, conduct research and provide educational, advisory and information services.

The 2006 review of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 noted that the governance framework of the Authority will be shaped by the changing needs of the Reef. The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the institutions in place to support the health and resilience of the Reef are strong and continue to evolve.

Scope of review

The review focused on the effectiveness of:

  • the role and composition of the Authority’s board and
  • the Authority’s executive management* arrangements

in supporting the functions and powers of the Authority as set out in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.

The review provided recommendations and advice on:

  • any changes to improve the corporate governance arrangements of the Authority
  • any legislative or administrative amendments required to make such changes.

* Executive management includes those establishing strategy (the Chairperson and members of the Authority’s Board) and those implementing strategy (the Chairperson as CEO).

Independent reviewer

Dr Wendy Craik AM

Dr Wendy Craik AM

Dr Wendy Craik was appointed to lead the review of governance of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Dr Craik has over 25 years’ experience in senior roles in public policy. She is currently Chair of the Climate Change Authority, Chair of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Deputy Chancellor at the University of South Australia, Chair of the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority and Chair of the National Environmental Science Program Climate Science and Earth Systems Hub Steering Committee.

Dr Craik’s previous positions include Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, President of the National Competition Council, Chair of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Executive Director of the National Farmers Federation and Executive Officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. She has also been a director on a number of boards.

Dr Craik was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 for service to the natural resource sector of the economy, particularly in the areas of fisheries, marine ecology and management of water reform, and for contributions to policies affecting rural and regional Australia.

Dr Craik holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, a Graduate Diploma in Management and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the Australian National University.

Further information