Page 3245 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 November 1992
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
solutions are likely to have to come down to a question of what we are prepared to spend for future generations at this stage. It is possible for the ACT to purchase its electricity from wherever it likes at the moment. We are in the process - it is a confusing factor in some ways - of looking at a national grid, and that national grid has yet to have an impact on the ACT that we can only start to guess at.
I think it is important, Madam Speaker, for us also to look at not just how we can provide renewable energy resources but also how we can conserve energy. This is an issue that I know that Mr Wood has been working on, particularly with reference to housing. It is an issue that this report of the committee reiterates. I believe that it complements the work done by Mr Wood and his department in terms of their energy strategies for housing. We must also remember, when we are looking at energy strategies, that transport is one of our major users of energy. Forms of transport will require more work in the future, and our report has dealt with that as well.
Madam Speaker, in dealing with the depletion of the earth's ozone layer, it is - - -
Mrs Carnell: Where is Dennis?
MR MOORE: Yes, I notice that Mr Stevenson is not here at the moment. No doubt he will read the report and will have his opportunity to comment on the earth's ozone layer and say that we do not have any problems. We will be interested to hear what he has to suggest on that.
There was one suggestion that governments consider the notion of a carbon tax, which favours, of course, carbon dioxide control. There was considerable debate in the committee on that issue. There is a series of very broad recommendations about that in the committee report. The concern is that if a carbon tax is introduced now the effect on costs of production and goods and services for consumers could be crippling. Because our committee did not have the resources to deal with that range of issues, we have recommended that this matter be pursued further so that the notion of a carbon tax can be considered.
Madam Speaker, one of the things that I feel very proud about is that our committee was able to present this report without dissent. This reflects the style of work that is done in these committees. Members are prepared to listen and to discuss, and to ensure that they deliver the best possible report they can in the interests of the people of Canberra, and in this case, I think, in the interests of the people of Australia. It is important that the debate continue. I think there are some ideas in this report that will challenge people in the future.
MS ELLIS (10.52): Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I rise to speak to the report by the Standing Committee on Conservation, Heritage and Environment on the case for energy efficiency in the ACT. This report, Madam Speaker, and the investigative work involved, was most valuable and informative for me, and hopefully the report will serve as a useful guide for the ACT community. I have spoken before in this chamber about the efforts and innovations in the ACT to conserve energy. Our levels of awareness and education are increasing. However, Madam Speaker, as a society and as individuals we use far too much energy for everyday living. Sixty per cent of our energy use comes from water heating, cooking, refrigeration, home heating and cooling, lights and other appliances. We can reduce this drastically if we design our houses more efficiently and if we start to use alternative energy sources.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .