Page 434 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 June 1989
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NATURE CONSERVATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989
Debate resumed from 31 May 1989, on motion by Mrs Grassby:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MR HUMPHRIES (8.03): I rise to speak for the first time as the Liberal Party's environment spokesman. I have inherited that role, of course, from Mr Lyle Dunne, who was our candidate during the election. Members will have noticed that is not the only thing I have inherited from Mr Dunne.
Mr Kaine: A trendy environmental spokesman.
MR HUMPHRIES: It is required dress. The Liberals welcome and support this legislation as a measure which will offer increased protection for wildlife in the ACT. The Bill seeks to amend the ACT Conservation Act which came into operation in 1982. The Bill, in essence, takes steps to protect migratory birds and their habitats, in line with an agreement signed last year between the Commonwealth and the People's Republic of China.
The Bill also amends the principal Act in a number of important ways. In particular, the Bill upgrades penalties to bring them in line with other States and closes some loopholes. It is significant that the agreement signed between the Commonwealth and China covered some 80 species of birds which migrate between our two countries. This agreement complements a similar agreement between the Commonwealth and Japan.
I note that the Federal Minister's statement announcing the agreement said that China and Australia had agreed to exchange research data and publications on migratory birds as well as undertake research programs and specific conservation measures, including establishing sanctuaries and preventing the importation of plants and animals which could be hazardous to the preservation of migratory birds.
I think members will not fail to observe that, in signing this agreement with Australia, China has provided somewhat greater protection for its migratory birds than it has in recent weeks provided to its own students.
As I understand it, the ACT is visited by just a few of these 80 species involved. Nevertheless, when it comes to matters of national significance, such as this agreement, I believe it is important that the ACT has uniform legislation which complements that of other States and Territories.
I am also pleased to see the Bill provide for tougher penalties for importing or exporting wildlife to or through the ACT without a licence or permit. As I understand it, this was an area where the ACT, in the past, has lagged behind other States and Territories. Mr Speaker, the
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