What’s Happening?
The Albanese Labor Government has announced a $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) to support reef education, sustainable tourism, and youth engagement.
If re-elected, Labor will roll out this national program to give more Australian students the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters
The Great Barrier Reef generates $6.4 billion annually and supports 64,000 jobs. Labor’s investment aims to secure the reef’s future while ensuring the next generation understands its ecological significance. The program also reinforces Labor’s commitment to climate action, marine protection, and sustainable tourism.
Local Impact
Townsville will benefit directly from the REEF initiative, as Labor continues to back marine science, Indigenous rangers, and reef protection. The city will also see continued growth in eco-tourism and education-driven travel, reinforcing its role as a hub for reef conservation.
By the Numbers:
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$6 million for the “Kids for the Reef” rebate for schools across Australia to fund excursions to the Reef.
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$1 million to help reef tourism operators cover 50% of upgrade costs to accommodate school groups.
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$3 million to fund an international campaign promoting reef tourism as a conservation tool.
Zoom In
Labor has invested over $1.2 billion to protect the Great Barrier Reef. This includes $180 million to save Reef HQ in Townsville, $540 million to improve water quality through stormwater projects and revegetation, and funding to double staffing at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated: “The Great Barrier Reef is one of our most precious and unique assets. We want to ensure our young people can experience the beauty of the reef while also learning about the important role it plays in our ecosystem.”
Tourism Minister Don Farrell added :“This is a fantastic initiative that brings education, conservation and tourism together. It will help more kids see the incredible Reef while supporting local tourism operators.”
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted Labor’s record on ocean protection: “Under Labor, Australia protects more ocean than any other country on Earth. We’ve kept the Reef off UNESCO’s ‘in danger’ list and approved enough renewable energy to power nearly every home.”
Special Envoy for the Reef Nita Green also said: “We have delivered historic investments to improve water quality and protect the Reef from invasive Crown of Thorns starfish.”
Matt Smith, Labor’s candidate for Leichhardt, added: “Supporting tourism on the Great Barrier Reef supports our economy by bringing more people to the region and into our stores and restaurants.”
Zoom Out
This announcement builds on Labor’s broader efforts to combat climate change, restore marine biodiversity, and grow sustainable jobs in regional Queensland. The REEF program complements the $5 million Tourism Reef Protection Initiative already underway and strengthens Australia’s international profile in conservation-led tourism.
What To Look For Next?
If re-elected, Labor plans to begin rolling out REEF by mid-2025. Schools can expect rebate guidelines soon, and tourism operators will receive information on eligibility for funding upgrades. Watch for announcements from Tourism Tropical North Queensland on the international campaign’s launch.
