The Environment Minister says Australia is “deeply disappointed” by a United Nations body’s recommendation on the Great Barrier Reef.

A UNESCO World Heritage Committee draft report has issued a recommendation to list the Great Barrier Reef as a world heritage site “in danger” because of successive reef bleaching events.

The main world heritage committee decision-making body is chaired by a Chinese official and Ben Fordham says “this is a stitch-up”.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley told Ben Fordham Australia will contest the recommendation.

“I think of the international political games that are being played – it makes me very angry and we’re fighting back.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty