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Motion (by Mr Berry), by leave, agreed to:

That Ms Horodny be granted an extension of time to conclude her speech.

MS HORODNY: As to the environment: Half of global warming can be attributed to carbon dioxide emissions. Of this, fossil fuel burning accounts for more than three-quarters and deforestation for the remainder. Each local community has a responsibility to do its best to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases it consumes. More than half of all energy consumed in the ACT is used for the purpose of transport. One of the principal targets for cost cutting in this budget is public transport. The ACT Greens have clearly stated to the Government that we will agree to changes to the public transport system only where it can be demonstrated that the primary purpose of change is to improve the service to the community, thereby reducing private car use.

Even the Government recognises that public transport is of significant environmental benefit to the community. At its current level of patronage, ACTION saves 68,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 2,645 tonnes of carbon monoxide and 549 tonnes of nitrous oxide emissions each year. Unless there is a concerted program to make public transport a priority above private transport in the planning of Canberra's urban structure, public transport will continue not to be used as much as it should. By increasing patronage of public transport services, we would naturally reduce the need for subsidies and enable more services to be introduced.

Earlier this week, I raised a concern that the Government has a proposal to commit $435,000 in the capital works program for revenue-raising infrastructure in Namadgi National Park, but no detail was provided during the capital works hearings. The primary purpose of national parks is to protect and promote the inherent natural and cultural values within them. These values must not be compromised. We have a responsibility to see them protected for future generations. The Greens will not support any tourism infrastructure inside the national park. Despite projections for increased numbers of visitors to Namadgi and Tidbinbilla and higher use of other nature parks, the Government is cutting its overall environment budget by 9 per cent.

On the positive side, there is an increase in the budget allocation for the Waterwatch and Save the Bush programs. But it is not much use increasing the budget allocation that would go to assist Landcare and other volunteer-based groups if there is not the commitment to training and coordination. Landcare groups perform a job that would cost the Government a fortune. A commitment to environmentally sustainable development means, among other things, a commitment to take action to repair and enhance the environment. Where, then, are the elements in the ACT budget that would display such a commitment? Best environmental practice is not about just paper recycling and remembering to turn the lights off. Where is the funding that would enable the eco-office to advise, not only the public sector but also all this business we are supposed to be attracting, on best environmental practice in upgrading office equipment, buildings, paints, furniture, et cetera?

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