Audit finds no clear criteria for $444 million reef grant

Environment Minister Melissa Price says terminating a controversial $444 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation would delay the Reef's protection.

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some 400 types of coral. (AAP) Source: AAP

 

Environment Minister Melissa Price says terminating a controversial $444 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation would delay the Reef's protection.

Labor says it will try to recover whatever it can of the money if it forms government at this year's election, after the auditor general identified shortcomings in the grant process.

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation was paid the grant in a lump-sum by the Turnbull government last year without soliciting it or going through a competitive tender proces

The Australian National Audit Office said yesterday ((Wednesday Jan 16)) all decisions that led to the grant being awarded were informed by advice from the Department of Environment and Energy.