Page 2206 - Week 06 - Friday, 27 June 2008
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
this particular part of the appropriation bill that the Stanhope Labor government has provided to ensure that mentioned goals are achieved.
Dr Foskey has already alluded to the Stern report and Professor Ross Garnaut’s climate change review when talking about what the countries of this world can expect when effectively dealing with this issue of climate change. I too have spoken at length in the chamber about such issues. It is not the most pleasing projection of where our planet is heading, and it is clear that the world is going to experience some difficult times ahead if we are to deal effectively with this problem.
I want to emphasise the phrase “effectively dealing with the issue”. Two nights ago we heard from Mr Mulcahy, who, while providing an interesting alternative view to the feed-in bill, defiantly stood behind his longstanding view that a no-regrets policy is the way forward to effectively deal with the issue of climate change. This prehistoric view is not what the people of the ACT require when looking at leadership on one of the toughest challenges facing the planet.
What we require is a government with a serious view on the issue; a government with a serious policy that provides a blueprint to ensure the future of our planet and that the species that inhabit it remain sustainable. This government has provided that view. The Labor government has provided that policy through the climate change strategy, Weathering the Change. The Stanhope Labor government, through the 2008-09 budget, is delivering on that policy.
We have a government that is well awake on the issue of climate change, and we have a government that will actively address the issue while ensuring that those less fortunate will be most protected by its impact. Members are well aware of my longstanding interest in sustainable development and climate change initiatives. As we spent some time two nights ago debating the feed-in law, I will not revisit that ground today. However, I do want to talk about other initiatives that this government has provided to ensure the future of our city and that we move towards a sustainable future.
There are quite a few achievements already put forward in our budget this year: continuing to invest in major festivals and events; getting ready for the future, we are looking at transport, including the ACTION bus fleet, about which Mr Pratt talked earlier; arts, including public art, libraries and sporting facilities; $110 million over four years for a better bus transport system, including the replacement of the Belconnen bus interchange and the duplication of Athllon Drive, Tharwa Drive and Flemington Road; $50 million over four years for the purchase of 100 new, efficient, wheelchair-accessible buses; $13 million over four years for the new ACTION network; and $22.2 million over four years to support sport in the ACT. There are quite a lot of new initiatives there.
I do want to talk about my electorate, of course, and I want to talk about Tharwa Drive and the duplication that the government has committed to—$11 million. The people of Tuggeranong are excited about the substantial investment that is being provided for the project—a project that is most welcomed by the constituency that I represent. It is a clear sign that the Stanhope Labor government is delivering vital
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .