Page 445 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 22 March 2022
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and environmentally. I see this as a win-win-win: for government, support for local businesses and for local businesses to be able to reduce their running costs while doing something positive for the environment. This benefits us all. It is a constructive way to provide ongoing assistance and support to ACT businesses, who are still reeling from the effects of COVID, while also providing positive environmental outcomes.
The ACT government is always looking for new and innovative ways to support local businesses, and never has this been more important. Throughout the pandemic the government has supported local businesses through a wide range of programs, including the Small Business Hardship Scheme; the COVID-19 business support grants; commercial tenancy support measures; waivers on food business registration, outdoor dining and liquor licensing fees; payroll tax exemptions for apprentices and trainees; and rental relief for tenants of ACT government-owned properties.
As we start to move towards a new normal in the ACT, it is important that we continue to support businesses through programs and activities that are financially sustainable for the ACT government and community. It is equally important that these programs and support measures have practical, pragmatic and tangible outcomes while providing long-lasting solutions.
We already have over 900 businesses across the ACT and in Queanbeyan signed up to be better business recyclers. This is great and demonstrates the great interest in our community for this kind of challenge. To uphold our ACT government commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we need to support local businesses as best we can. We need to cut straight to the chase and create one clear, authoritative reference point for local businesses, where they can submit some basic information, calculate their carbon footprint and be guided on when, where and how to make the best upgrades and savings.
I envisage that local businesses will be able to use the carbon calculator to potentially help with things like lighting upgrades, the installation of solar panels, installing insulation, upgrading appliances and draught-proofing, amongst other things. I note that many businesses operate leased accommodation across the ACT. This is an important factor in considering the development of this online calculator.
The Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum was founded in November last year—initiated by the ACT, South Australian and New South Wales governments—to work together on solutions, to prioritise policies and to develop practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions. Subnational governments across Australia and internationally are invited to join the policy forum, and I am proud, and not surprised, that the ACT government is one of the founding members. Led by our progressive and forward-thinking Chief Minister, we have some of the country’s most ambitious climate change policies and activities.
This motion I am presenting to the Assembly today will help ACT local businesses to contribute to our net zero emissions target. The motion calls for the involvement of the policy forum, including consideration of the ways in which members of the Net
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