Page 3834 - Week 13 - Thursday, 18 October 1990
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has yet to be seen whether its actions will match its words. Mr Duby's speech is peppered with such phrases as "exploring the possibility of ...", "consulting with other governments ...", "negotiating with ..." and "entering into discussions with ...". While I recognise it is important for the ACT Government to discuss matters with the States and the other Territory, it is time that Mr Duby took some action to put the ACT at the forefront of modern recycling and waste management strategies.
For example, I fail to see why the ACT cannot act on its own and ban the use of biodegradable shopping bags until it is proven that they are environmentally safe, rather than waiting until discussions are held with the New South Wales Government. Why is the Government only looking at the possibility of introducing green spot labelling programs rather than taking the lead in this important area? Why will not the Government introduce container deposit legislation? Much of the argument against the ACT taking the initiative on these issues is that the ACT is an island in New South Wales and cannot act alone. However, I find this a difficult argument to accept. How will we ever know if we do not try? I believe it is better for us to take the initiative than to sit on our hands like the lazy, incompetent Government opposite.
The most damning indictment of this Government's record in waste management and the issue which shows how little it cares for this community was its decision to close the Ainslie Transfer Station. For the benefit of the Minister and his colleagues let me read into Hansard three recommendations from the committee's report. Recommendation No. 7 states:
recycling facilities at both landfill sites and the Ainslie transfer station be upgraded and access improved.
Recommendation No. 15 states:
the ACT Government investigate the possibility of establishing oil collection points at the Ainslie transfer station, the new Tuggeranong recycling centre and the Belconnen and Phillip recycling centres.
Recommendation No. 26 states:
the ACT Government investigate the possibility of a special collection bin at the Ainslie transfer station for organic wastes which can be transferred to composting facilities at landfill.
The Government's reaction to these embarrassing recommendations was simple; it simply tried to avoid them. For example, in response to recommendation No. 26 concerning a bin for organic wastes at the Ainslie Transfer Station, the Government simply noted that this recommendation is no longer appropriate.
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