'It stinks': $444m grant to reef foundation is a scandal, Greens say

Richard Di Natale joins Labor in calling for money to be handed back

The awarding of $444m in taxpayers’ money by the prime minister to the small Great Barrier Reef Foundation without consultation “stinks” and the money should be handed back, the Greens have demanded.

The party leader, Richard Di Natale, joined Labor in demanding the return of the huge sum given to the private foundation – which had just six full-time staff – and called for the whole process to be put to tender.

Related: Head of reef foundation says $444m grant was 'complete surprise'

Related: Reefgate part two: the plot (and the water) thickens, starring Brenda the Antifa Penguin | First Dog on the Moon