Documents released to a Senate Inquiry have revealed the $443.4 Billion grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was intended as a “trial case” to see if non-profit groups could be used to deliver ‘big government programs’.
The inquiry shows that the idea of a ‘trial’ is attributed to Russell Reichelt, chairman and chief executive of the Great Barrier Reef authorities as well as a board member.
Environment Minister Melissa Price said the government had ‘explored the role of private-public partnerships as an efficient and effective method to deliver outcomes’.
Senator Carr suggests the situation is ‘laughable’ and criticised the foundation’s funding arrangements.