Saving Great Barrier Reef from climate change should be central election issue, says Tim Flannery

Scientist says lack of attention to climate change is 'staggering' given it is Australia's last chance 'to close down coal-fired power stations and save the reef'

Tim Flannery says preserving the Great Barrier Reef from coral bleaching linked to climate change should be a central issue in the federal election campaign.

Flannery, a scientist and member of the Climate Council, said the lack of attention paid to climate change so far in the eight-week campaign was "staggering".