Senate inquiry into Great Barrier Reef seen as bid to discredit Queensland laws

Greens and conservationists warn it will be used by the Liberal National party to attack state Labor environment rules

The Senate has approved a Liberal-backed inquiry into whether farming and poor water quality harm the Great Barrier Reef, interpreted as a bid to debate the claims of the controversial scientist Peter Ridd and discredit Queensland laws to protect the reef.

The Greens and marine conservationists have warned the inquiry - due to report in October 2020 - will be used by the Queensland Liberal National party to attack the state Labor government, which is seeking land management changes and will be up for re-election in the same month.