Page 3317 - Week 11 - Thursday, 11 November 2021
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revolution that will see major changes to the way we produce and consume energy for heating and cooling, lighting, cooking, entertainment and all of the other uses that we have.
We are also now at the start of a revolution in transport technology. The age of the internal combustion engine vehicle is coming to an end. A cleaner future is ours to build. The ACT will continue to be at the forefront of both of these revolutions, demonstrating that we can be a cohesive, dynamic and prosperous society while also meeting environmental challenges. Our citizens expect it; the global environment demands it; and this government will continue to deliver. I present the following paper:
Zero emission vehicles in the ACT—Update—Ministerial statement, 11 November 2021.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MS CASTLEY (Yerrabi) (11.08): I am pleased to speak about the minister’s update on zero emissions vehicles in the ACT. The Canberra Liberals welcome the government making progress, because, as the minister states, transport fields are the largest source of emissions in our community and, without sensible policies, we will not achieve the uptake we need to meet our tripartisan net zero targets. While I welcome the detail the minister has been able to provide, I have a number of concerns about the government’s leadership in this area.
In his statement, Minister Rattenbury talks about developing Australia’s first electric fire truck and the fact that the government has committed $12.8 million over four years for emergency service replacement vehicles. However, the only figure that Canberrans have to assess the merit of this investment is that Minister Gentleman has told us these electric fire trucks will reduce diesel fuel consumption by 185,000 litres over a 10-year period. It is insufficient information for Canberrans and this Assembly to understand how these measures will help us achieve our legislated targets and whether we are getting bang for our buck, which should always be a consideration.
The Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010 requires the minister to prepare a report about the cost-benefit analysis of any government policy or program. Last year there was no report. The Canberra Liberals eagerly await the minister’s report so that the Assembly can properly scrutinise the government’s climate policies and ensure that Canberrans are getting good and sensible outcomes on reducing emissions.
Turning to private zero emissions vehicles, our progress is questionable. In his statement Minister Rattenbury states that there has been a 32 per cent increase in zero emissions vehicles since the start of the scheme, which is very welcome. But during the recent estimates hearings the minister was unable to provide answers about how many public charging stations there are across the ACT. When I later received the
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