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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 03 Hansard (Tuesday, 9 March 2004) . . Page.. 922 ..

Indeed, there is significant work being done now in New South Wales on BASIX, the building sustainability index, which is a web-based tool to assist in issues such as this. I would have thought or hoped that the ACT would be at the front edge of commitment to the use of sustainably produced building materials, and the BASIX project ought to be one we are informed of and connected with.

It has, nonetheless, become apparent that there is real enthusiasm for such guidelines in ACT government agencies and in the government itself. This is reflected in other provisions of this bill, namely to facilitate the use of grey water and rain water collection and use. Given that level of good will, I have presumed that by inserting these provisions we will move further down the path of establishing sustainability guidelines, and that the minister will act promptly to get the ball rolling.

Might I suggest that a discussion paper be prepared some time in the next couple of months to provide us with some possible descriptors. If the paper cannot be prepared inside the department because people are too busy, then it could be commissioned from one of the well-informed environmental NGOs. The paper could explore possible links to the BASIX system and the establishment of guidelines, with rainforest timbers and timber cut from old growth forests as the first cab off the rank.

It is important to note that these guidelines will not apply to unapproved work. I would suggest that a complementary labelling program, alerting consumers to the status of the materials they are purchasing, also be initiated. I am of the view that this initiative will deliver a prompt result in ruling out the use of material such as rainforest and old growth timber in the construction industry.

MR CORBELL (Minister for Health and Minister for Planning) (4.44): Mr Speaker, the government will be supporting Ms Tucker’s amendment, recognising that high quality sustainable design must also have regard to the materials used in the construction of those designs.

One of the challenges that every community faces is to understand the extent to which our actions impact on those things not immediately within our daily experience. Just as we all value our natural surroundings in Canberra and the need to ensure effective conservation strategies, we must also recognise that we can contribute to the conservation of other environments.

Ms Tucker’s amendment provides a good starting point to recognise the impact of construction in relation to the use of natural products, and the government will support the amendment.

MRS DUNNE (4.44): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to move amendments 1 and 2, circulated in my name, together.

Leave granted.

MRS DUNNE: I move amendments Nos 1 and 2 [see schedule 5 at page 938]. These amendments seek to strengthen the amendment put forward by Ms Tucker. Whilst being generally in support of her amendment, members of the opposition are concerned about

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