Australia defends diplomacy on Reef status

Australia makes no apology for striking deals with other countries to protect the reputation of the Great Barrier Reef as a tourism jewel.

The Morrison government defended itself in parliament on Thursday after international media reports about "deals" struck on other sites in Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Last month, Australia won its bid to avoid an "in danger" listing for the iconic Great Barrier Reef with the support of Spain.

Two days later, Spain declared Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro a World Heritage Site with Australia's support.

"We haven't betrayed Australian environmentalists," Spain's ambassador to UNESCO Andres Pirillo was reported as saying.

Liberal Senator Jane Hume backed Australia's approach and took a swipe at the international body.

"The world must do more to reduce emissions and the World Heritage Committee must find a path towards collective action and not singular punishment," she said during Question Time.

"We make no apologies for defending Australia's reputation as the best marine park managers in the world."

UNESCO has given Australia until May next year before making a final decision on the reef's status.

Senator Hume said members of the committee and the International Union for Conservation of Nature will be invited to see for themselves the success of the reef managers, marine scientists and land managers.

The reef has been under the threat of downgrade for several years following several mass bleaching events, with government scientists rating the outlook as poor to very poor.

The World Heritage Committee has called for more action from Australia on water pollution and to address the threat from climate change.

"Australia cannot fix this problem alone," Senator Hume said.