Page 4704 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 7 December 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The last key issue that the legislation addresses is the ACT's role in the nation and the region. There are several aspects to this role. Since self-government, the ACT has become party to several national and international agreements. In particular, national measures to be developed by the National Environmental Protection Council will need to be reflected in ACT legislation. Members will recall that early in November the Government introduced the National Environment Protection Council Bill 1994. The Bill aims to formalise the ACT's participation in the National Environment Protection Council and to recognise the council's role in developing national environment protection measures. The proposed integrated legislation is closely linked. It would establish the mechanism of environment protection policies as an appropriate means of adopting and applying national measures in the ACT.
In addition, Canberra is, and should continue to be, a national model for environmental management. The ACT already has an enviable environment, and we are determined to keep it that way. As the national capital and the focal point for Australia's interaction with the rest of the world, we must ensure that we afford a high priority to the environment. As a regional centre, Canberra must also ensure that its development does not create environmental problems for the region. The enhanced management options provided for in the proposed legislation will help ensure that this does not occur.
I would like to outline some of the key principles of the proposal. The objective of the proposed legislation is to protect the ACT environment in a way that improves total quality of life, now and in the future, through integrated management consistent with ecologically sustainable development. A fundamental principle guiding the development of the proposal is that prevention of environmental harm is far better than curing problems after they occur. Therefore, the focus of the proposed legislation is on encouraging management for preventing environment problems, backed by strong compliance measures.
Another key principle is the adoption of a life-cycle approach to environmental management. Under this approach, people who manage activities should consider inputs, processes and outputs of the activity. The choice of products and technologies could determine the level of regulation required of their activity. For example, those who choose to adopt practices that safeguard the environment, such as containing waste water and reusing it on site, may be given the opportunity for greater self-regulation. The life-cycle approach also extends over time, with environmental protection seen as a key component of the development and operational phases of an activity. It also recognises the responsibility of the polluter to clean up after an activity finishes.
The principle of polluter pays has been given prominence throughout the country. Quite simply, those who cause pollution and/or waste should bear the cost of management, including containment and abatement. It is reasonable to expect the polluter to pay the costs, not the whole community. Equity is another key principle. One activity should not be given a more favourable regulatory regime or different incentives than a competitor undertaking similar activities, whether in the private or public spheres. It is important that administrative arrangements under the proposed legislation include public accountability requirements to ensure equitable treatment of activities.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .